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Fresh Lemon Herb Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato

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A bright, refreshing orzo pasta salad featuring tangy lemon, creamy feta, and chewy sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect as a light summer side dish or a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270 g) orzo pasta
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese (about 120 g)
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (about 75 g), oil-packed, drained
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 45 ml)
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion (about 40 g), optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: Kalamata olives, cucumber chunks, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 ½ cups (270 g) of orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  2. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Shake off excess water thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Finely chop parsley, dill, and basil. Dice red onion and chop sun-dried tomatoes. Prepare any optional add-ins now.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cooled orzo and toss gently to coat. Add chopped herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, diced onion, and crumbled feta. Fold carefully to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
  6. Optional: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Garnish with extra herbs or cracked black pepper.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richness; rehydrate dry-packed if needed. Mix gently after adding feta to keep creamy texture. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Optional add-ins like olives or pine nuts add texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, lemon herb salad, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/fresh-lemon-herb-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-summer-side-dish-with-feta-and-sun-dried-tomato/