This Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. It combines fluffy orzo pasta with crunchy veggies and a zesty lemon dressing.
I love how quick and easy it is to make! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a colorful salad that’s tasty enough to make you want seconds. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is the star of the dish. If you can’t find orzo, other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous work well, too. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option for a similar texture.
Vegetable Broth: Using broth adds extra flavor. If you’re in a pinch, water is fine, but consider adding a touch of seasoning to compensate. Homemade broth can really enhance the taste, too!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are juicy and sweet, perfect raw. Substituting with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes will also work. Roasting them slightly can add depth if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, while basil brings a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs can be used, but use less as they are more concentrated. Feel free to skip the basil if you prefer!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the salad. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of white vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar can add brightness, but it won’t have that citrusy zing.
How to Ensure Your Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo is simple, but you want to get that perfect al dente texture. Here’s how:
- Bring water or broth to a rolling boil; add orzo once it’s bubbling.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the package for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Test a piece a minute or two early to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
This step prevents mushy pasta and keeps the salad refreshing and crisp!
Refreshing Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking orzo)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of chilling time. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes, which includes cooking the orzo and allowing the flavors to blend nicely in the fridge. A perfect, quick dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Orzo:
Start by bringing the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Once it’s bubbling, add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the orzo and give it a rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the now-cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and the optional basil. This colorful mix already looks delightful!
3. Prepare the Lemon Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This dressing will give your salad that zesty kick!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the lemon dressing over the orzo mixture and gently toss everything together so the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. Give it a taste and feel free to adjust with a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite refreshing.
6. Serve with a Twist:
When you’re ready to serve, garnish the salad with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra parsley if you’d like. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish look extra inviting!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light main course or a refreshing side dish. Enjoy your bright and zesty Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with any gluten-free pasta shape, such as quinoa pasta or rice-shaped gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors can intensify, so give it a good stir before serving. If it seems dry, drizzle in a bit more olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! This salad is vegan-friendly as it is! Just double-check that your broth is vegetable-based. All the other ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great option for plant-based eaters.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, or avocado all make great additions. Just chop them up and mix them in with the rest of the ingredients for extra crunch and flavor!
