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lemon orzo pasta salad in a serving bowl

Lemon Basil Orzo Salad

5 from 1 vote
This easy lemon basil orzo salad is the perfect side dish for any summer get-together. It's packed with fresh veggies, topped with creamy feta cheese and fresh herbs, and coated in a zesty lemon dressing,
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

Pasta Salad

  • 12 ounces dry uncooked orzo
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1 (8-oz) block feta cheese crumbled or cubed small
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 English cucumber diced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves julienned
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts optional
  • Fresh basil, parsley, and lemon slices for topping

Lemon Vinaigrette

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make the orzo pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
    12 ounces dry uncooked orzo
  • Chop the veggies: While it's cooking, chop the cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta, and basil. Set aside.
    1/2 red onion, 1 (8-oz) block feta cheese, 10 oz cherry tomatoes, 1 English cucumber, 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Make the vinaigrette: Add all of the ingredients to a bowl or jar. Shake or whisk well until completely combined. Store in the fridge until serving.
    1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, 1 Tablespoon honey, 1 clove garlic, 3 Tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons dijon vinegar
  • Assemble the pasta salad: Add the pasta to a large serving bowl with the veggies, pine nuts, and basil. Pour 3/4 of the dressing on top and toss to coat. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
    Fresh basil, parsley, and lemon slices for topping

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 51.8g | Protein: 10.4g | Fat: 20.3g | Cholesterol: 2.2mg | Sodium: 139.3mg | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 6.7g | Vitamin A: 56.5IU | Vitamin C: 11.6mg
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