Description
This lemon orzo pasta salad is bright, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Tender orzo is tossed with crisp vegetables, herbs, olives, and artichokes in a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta
1 medium English cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, diced, or 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill, mint, or cilantro)
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved
1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Extra salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until tender according to package directions, about 6 to 10 minutes. Drain well.
- While the orzo cooks, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the warm drained orzo to the dressing and toss well so it absorbs the flavor.
- Let the orzo cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cucumber, tomato, chopped herbs, olives, and artichoke hearts.
- Taste and adjust with extra salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve slightly warm or chill for about 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Add crumbled feta for a creamy, salty variation.
Include chickpeas for extra protein and a more filling salad.
Try additional vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, spinach, or roasted zucchini.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the salad dries out, refresh with extra lemon juice or olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 166 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
