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Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Lemon Dill Dressing

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A vibrant and refreshing Greek-inspired orzo pasta salad tossed with a zesty lemon dill dressing, fresh veggies, and crumbled feta. Perfect for quick summer meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 3 tablespoons or 45ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the orzo in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Dice 1 medium cucumber and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Slice ½ cup Kalamata olives and finely dice ¼ cup red onion. Add all to the bowl with the orzo.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, juice of 2 lemons (about 3 tablespoons or 45ml), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Pour the lemon dill dressing over the orzo and veggies. Add ¾ cup (about 100g) crumbled feta, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss until well combined.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld (optional).
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the orzo to prevent mushy texture. Rinse pasta after boiling to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Emulsify dressing well for even coating. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, but it can be served immediately. Adjust herbs to taste. For gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo salad, lemon dill dressing, pasta salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/fresh-greek-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-lemon-dill-dressing/