Description
Mediterranean zest shines through this lemon orzo salad, blending tangy citrus with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. Refreshing ingredients mingle, creating a light, satisfying dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups (360 mL) orzo, uncooked
- 1 cup (240 mL) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, sliced and quartered
- ½ cup (120 mL) kalamata olives, halved
- ¼ cup (60 mL) parsley, fresh and minced
- 2 tbsps basil, fresh and minced
- 2 tbsps mint, fresh and minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil, high-quality
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
- Cooling: Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Vegetable Preparation: Precisely dice cucumber into quarters, halve cherry tomatoes and olives, and finely chop parsley, basil, and mint.
- Combining: Gently fold cooled orzo with prepared vegetables, fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon zest.
- Seasoning: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the salad, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Finishing: Garnish with delicate Parmesan cheese shavings and serve immediately to preserve the salad’s vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Notes
- Rinse Pasta Properly: Cool water stops cooking, prevents clumping, and maintains perfect orzo texture.
- Chop Herbs Strategically: Finely cut herbs release maximum flavor and distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Balance Citrus Carefully: Fresh lemon zest and juice intensify brightness without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Add olive oil and seasonings right before serving to preserve crisp vegetable texture and vibrant herb colors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg