June 15, 2020

Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad

Name: Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb orzo pasta; 1 cup thinly sliced green onions; 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill; 1 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; Kosher salt and pepper; 2 large lemons, zested and juiced; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad is super easy to make, fresh, and flavorful! It is perfect in the Spring and Summer. Just cook the orzo and toss with the remaining ingredients. Serve alongside roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or fish. Or have on its own!

Herb lemon orzo salad in meal prep bowls with text overlay

What You’ll Need for the Orzo Salad:

Orzo Pasta – can also substitute another short cut pasta shape
Green Onions
Fresh Dill
Fresh Parsley
Cucumber
Red Onion
Lemon Dressing: Lemons, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Honey

How to make this recipe:

Cook the Orzo Pasta: First, start the water boiling and cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prep The Veggies and Herbs: While the orzo cooks, chop up the veggies and herbs. I like them cut into small uniform pieces.
Make the Lemon Dressing: Mix up the lemon dressing ingredients. You can whisk everything together in a bowl or shake it up in a mason jar.
Toss together the Salad: Toss the cooked orzo, veggies, herbs, and lemon dressing together. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve and enjoy! The salad can be served at room temperature or straight from the fridge. I prefer to let it sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes when taking it out of the fridge.

Herbed lemon orzo salad mixed together in large bowl with serving spoon

What is Orzo?

Orzo is a short-cut pasta that is shaped like a large grain of rice. It typically cooks in boiling water for 7-10 minutes and is often used in soups.

I can’t find or don’t have orzo, what can I use instead?

You can substitute a different pasta shape! I’d recommend sticking to another short shape – elbows, penne, rotini, etc. Although Orzo is shaped like rice, I would not substitute rice in this recipe.

What should I serve with this Lemon Orzo Salad?

This pasta salad is excellent alongside almost any protein. Chicken or fish would be awesome. Or a vegetarian protein as well. I love grilling chicken or shrimp and serving this salad on the side. It’s also excellent alongside some roasted or grilled vegetables.