Best 5 Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipes
When the weather gets warm, there's nothing more refreshing than a light and flavorful pasta salad. And this easy lemon orzo pasta salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. With its bright citrus flavor, tender orzo pasta, and crisp vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck, picnic, or barbecue. Plus, it's so easy to make, you'll be able to whip it up in no time.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
EASY ORZO PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Cook orzo until tender. Cool.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk.
- Combine orzo with remaining salad ingredients.
- Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving
Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 13 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 8 mg, Sodium 124 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 5 g, UnsaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EASY LEMON ORZO PASTA SALAD
An easy orzo pasta salad recipe with summer produce and a quick lemon dressing.
Provided by Jessie
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook orzo in very salty water until just barely al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Drain orzo and set aside.
- While the orzo cooks, use a microplane to zest your lemon. Place zest into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut zested lemon in half and squeeze lemon juice into your mixing bowl. Be careful not to let any lemon seeds fall into the bowl!
- Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Add reserved 1/2 cup pasta water to your lemon juice mixture and whisk to combine. The sauce will look watery, but don't worry - the orzo will soak the liquid up as it cools!
- Add cooked, drained orzo to lemon juice mixture and stir to combine.
- Let orzo cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Add basil and tomatoes to orzo. Stir to combine. Taste and add salt or pepper as necessary.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to serve. Top with an extra sprig of basil for garnish if you like.
Nutrition Facts :
LEMON ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH CUCUMBERS AND OLIVES
We love this light orzo pasta salad - it doubles as a side, can be the main event or works well topped with grilled chicken or Adam's favorite, shrimp! Use your favorite tender herbs in this - we love using of one or a combination of mint, dill, basil, parsley or cilantro.
Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield Makes approximately 8 (1 cup) servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check box for actual cook time). Drain.
- While the orzo cooks, in a large bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the drained orzo to the dressing and mix well.
- Stir in the cucumber, tomato, herbs, olives and artichokes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and/or pepper as needed. Enjoy warm or cover then refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 166, Protein 4.4 g, Carbohydrate 20.5 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1.8 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Cholesterol 21 mg, Sodium 290 mg
LEMON ORZO
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and the orzo. Return the water to a boil and simmer uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, until the orzo is al dente. Drain.
- Transfer the orzo to a bowl and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Fold in the feta and serve hot.
CONFETTI ORZO SALAD
This is from my 365 Pasta Recipes cookbook, but I changed the original recipe quite a bit. Food should be attractive and this dish is really pretty and colorful. And easy to make! Cut the veggies really tiny. This is a great dish for work lunches because it is good hot or cold.
Provided by dicentra
Categories Peppers
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook orzo in plenty of boiling water until tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain.
- Whisk oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and garlic until blended.
- Toss all of the ingredients together. Serve hot or cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.5, Fat 19.1, SaturatedFat 2.7, Sodium 309.5, Carbohydrate 53, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 4.3, Protein 9.1
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: For a quick and easy meal prep, cook the orzo pasta and marinate the vegetables in advance. This will save you time when assembling the salad.
- Choose Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients: Select ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic herbs like basil or mint to enhance the taste of the salad.
- Use a Good Quality Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is not only healthy but also adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dressing. Don't skimp on the quality of your olive oil.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning of the dressing and salad according to your personal preference. A squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper can go a long way.
Conclusion:
Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of vegetables, the tanginess of lemon, and the satisfying texture of orzo pasta. It's a vibrant and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick and healthy lunch. With its simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals or anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal. Remember to use fresh and flavorful ingredients, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and enjoy the zesty and refreshing taste of this Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love