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Fresh Cold Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe with Feta and Olives

lemon orzo salad - featured image
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A refreshing and bright cold lemon orzo salad with creamy feta and briny Kalamata olives, perfect for warm days and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (280 grams) dry orzo pasta
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about ¼ cup or 60 ml)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup (75 grams) pitted and halved Kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup (10 grams) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ cup (75 grams) halved cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (280 g) of dry orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain and rinse the orzo under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop cooking. Set aside in the colander to drain thoroughly. (Tip: add a few ice cubes to the rinse water for an extra quick chill.)
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 large lemons (about ¼ cup or 60 ml), 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest from 1 lemon. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Transfer the drained orzo into a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon dressing over it and toss gently to coat every grain. If it seems dry, add a splash more olive oil.
  5. Fold in ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup (75 g) pitted and halved Kalamata olives, and ¼ cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley. If using, add ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and the orzo chill nicely. Give it a final stir before plating and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

Add a few ice cubes when rinsing orzo to chill quickly and prevent sticking. Adjust salt carefully as feta and olives add saltiness. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor melding. Optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon orzo salad, feta, Kalamata olives, cold pasta salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/fresh-cold-lemon-orzo-salad-recipe-with-feta-and-olives-easy-and-perfect/