Lemon Herb Orzo Salad
Bright, zesty orzo pasta tossed with fresh herbs, crisp cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a simple lemon dressing. A light, refreshing salad that comes together in 20 minutes, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a make-ahead lunch.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~10 min
Cook the orzo pasta.
1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add 1 tablespoon salt, then the orzo. Stir once.3.Cook until al dente according to package directions (about 8-9 minutes).4.Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.TIPRinsing the orzo removes excess starch and keeps the salad light, not gummy. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the lemon dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until well blended and slightly emulsified. - mix · ~3 min
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.2.Pour the lemon dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.3.Add parsley, dill, mint, and crumbled feta. Fold in gently.TIPToss while the orzo is still slightly warm — it absorbs the dressing better. - rest · ~15 min
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it a quick toss right before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse the cooked orzo under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness.
- 2Toss the warm orzo with dressing so it absorbs the lemon flavor better.
- 3Dice cucumber and tomatoes uniformly for even bites in every forkful.
- 4Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes to meld the herb and citrus flavors.
- 5Add the feta right before serving to keep its crumble texture intact.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container; refresh with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans to turn this side into a hearty main-course salad.
veganVegan
Omit the feta cheese and add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
gluten freeGluten-free
Substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta like quinoa pasta or small gluten-free shells; cook according to package directions.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1½ tablespoons and double the lemon juice for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice and cherry tomatoes provide a good dose of immune-supporting vitamin C.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
Cucumber and tomatoes add water volume and crunch with very few calories, making the salad light and refreshing.
Source of Calcium
Feta cheese contributes bone-friendly calcium in a small, flavorful serving.
Antioxidant-Rich Herbs
Parsley, dill, and mint are packed with antioxidants and add fresh flavor without extra salt or fat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Add feta just before serving and refresh with a little lemon juice if needed.



