Savor the refreshing taste of summer with this simple yet delightful Lemony Orzo Salad. Its vibrant flavor comes from the unique blend of aromatic fresh herbs, crunchy cucumber, and tangy lemon, all bound together with tender orzo pasta.
Photos of Lemony Orzo Salad Recipe
While most ingredients for this Lemony Orzo Salad are commonly available, you might want to look out for the Orzo. Orzo is a type of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. It can be found in the pasta aisle of most supermarkets. Additionally, ensure to choose fresh basil and mint leaves for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Lemony Orzo Salad
Orzo: A rice-shaped pasta, adds a distinctly Mediterranean touch to the salad.
Baby spinach: Provides a fresh, leafy green base adding essential vitamins and minerals.
Chickpeas: These offer a pleasant texture contrast and a boost of protein.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Red onion: Gives a slight bite and vibrant color.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves deliver a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Mint leaves: These add a refreshing and cool taste to the salad.
Lemons: They provide a tangy freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Olive oil: Helps to bind all the flavors together while adding a smooth, rich taste.
Sea salt and black pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Feta: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
One reader, Candra Osburn says:
This lemony orzo salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and hearty chickpeas creates a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Lemony Orzo Salad
How to cook orzo: Boil the orzo in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
How to prepare chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel before adding to the salad.
How to chop cucumber: Cut the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for a consistent texture in the salad.
How to slice red onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a mild, sweet flavor to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to chiffonade basil and mint: Stack the basil and mint leaves, roll them tightly, and then slice thinly to create delicate ribbons of herbs for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to juice lemons: Roll the lemons on the countertop to release the juices, then cut and squeeze to extract the fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
How to crumble feta: Gently crumble the feta cheese into small pieces to evenly distribute its creamy, tangy flavor throughout the salad.
How To Make Lemony Orzo Salad
A tangy and umami-filled flavor will welcome you when you try this lemony orzo salad. The additional flavors from the herbs give the lemon base depth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozuncooked orzo
- 2largehandfuls fresh baby spinach,chopped
- 15ozchickpeas
- 1English cucumber,diced
- half a small red onion,diced
- 1cupfresh basil leaves,roughly-chopped
- 1cupfresh mint leaves,roughly-chopped
- 2lemons,zested and juiced
- ¼cupolive oil
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper,to taste
- ½cupcrumbled feta,or goat cheese, optional
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in a large stockpot of generously salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.
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Drain pasta. Rinse thoroughly in a strainer with cold water until the pasta is chilled. Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.
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Add the remaining ingredients to the mixing bowl. Toss until evenly combined. Taste, and season with a few generous pinches of salt and pepper, to taste.
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Serve immediately. Or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 625.68kcal
- Fat: 17.08g
- Saturated Fat: 3.77g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.23g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.39g
- Carbohydrates: 95.76g
- Fiber: 12.96g
- Sugar: 12.43g
- Protein: 25.24g
- Cholesterol: 11.13mg
- Sodium: 635.54mg
- Calcium: 173.27mg
- Potassium: 879.10mg
- Iron: 6.20mg
- Vitamin A: 64.31µg
- Vitamin C: 19.96mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Lemony Orzo Salad
When preparing the lemony orzo salad, ensure to rinse the cooked orzo under cold water until it is completely chilled. This stops the cooking process and helps to keep the orzo firm, preventing it from becoming mushy. Additionally, when adding the olive oil, drizzle it in slowly while tossing the salad. This allows the oil to evenly coat the ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Lemony Orzo Salad
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook grains, and prepare dressings in advance to save time when making the salad.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop herbs and vegetables for the salad, saving time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the orzo is cooking, use that time to chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot cooking: Consider cooking the orzo and chickpeas together in the same pot to save time and reduce the number of dishes to clean.
Make extra: Consider making a larger batch of the salad to have leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemony Orzo Salad Recipe
orzo - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative to orzo and provides a similar texture and nutty flavor. It also adds a boost of protein and fiber to the salad.
baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor that can add a different dimension to the salad while still providing a fresh and vibrant green element.
chickpeas - Substitute with white beans: White beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor that can work well as a substitute for chickpeas in this salad.
english cucumber - Substitute with regular cucumber: Regular cucumbers can be used as a substitute for English cucumbers, as they have a similar crisp texture and mild flavor.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions, and they can add a subtle depth of flavor to the salad.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad, complementing the other ingredients well.
fresh mint leaves - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a bright and citrusy flavor to the salad, similar to the refreshing quality of mint.
lemons - Substitute with limes: Limes can be used as a substitute for lemons to provide a tangy and citrusy flavor to the orzo salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this salad.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy flavor that can replace feta in the salad, adding a different dimension to the dish.
Presenting Your Lemony Orzo Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the lemony orzo salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, white, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the salad with a generous amount of freshly torn basil and mint leaves. This will not only add a pop of color but also infuse the dish with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing a few edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, on top of the salad. This will add a whimsical and artistic element to the dish.
Utilize citrus zest: Grate the zest of one of the lemons over the top of the salad just before serving. The bright, citrusy aroma will tantalize the senses and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Arrange the components thoughtfully: Layer the baby spinach at the bottom of the bowl, followed by the orzo salad mixture. Arrange the cucumber, chickpeas, and red onion in an artful manner on top to create a visually appealing composition.
Drizzle with high-quality olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of premium olive oil over the salad. This will add a luxurious sheen and a hint of richness to the dish.
Serve on chilled plates: Prior to plating, place the serving plates in the refrigerator to chill. This will ensure that the salad remains cool and refreshing, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Lemony Orzo Salad
Stockpot: A large pot used for boiling pasta, making soups, or cooking large quantities of food.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together, often in baking or salad preparation.
Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate or shred ingredients, such as cheese or vegetables.
Citrus juicer: A tool designed specifically for juicing citrus fruits, such as lemons, to extract the juice efficiently.
Knife: A versatile tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping various ingredients in the kitchen.
Measuring cup: A cup used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately in cooking and baking.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or turning food.
Zester: A tool used to remove the zest from citrus fruits, adding flavor to dishes with its aromatic oils.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients in the kitchen.
Lemon squeezer: A handheld tool used to extract juice from lemons or other citrus fruits.
Salad tongs: A utensil used for tossing and serving salads, typically with two long arms and a gripping end.
Storing and Freezing Lemony Orzo Salad
- To store the lemony orzo salad, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
- If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the feta cheese and fresh herbs (basil and mint). These ingredients tend to lose their texture and flavor when frozen and thawed.
- Before freezing, make sure the orzo has cooled completely to room temperature. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, as the salad can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- To thaw the frozen orzo salad, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, give the salad a good stir and add freshly chopped herbs and feta cheese before serving.
- If the salad seems a bit dry after thawing, you can refresh it with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to bring back the vibrant flavors.
Reheating Leftover Lemony Orzo Salad
- To reheat leftover lemony orzo salad, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the orzo from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the salad on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The damp paper towel will help to create steam, which will revive the spinach and other ingredients.
- If you prefer to reheat the salad on the stovetop, place the desired portion in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and to help rehydrate the ingredients.
- Stir the salad gently as it reheats, making sure to distribute the heat evenly. This method should take about 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of salad you're reheating.
- For both methods, be cautious not to overheat the salad, as this can cause the orzo to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their texture. The goal is to warm the salad through without cooking it further.
- Once reheated, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of feta cheese to brighten up the flavors.
- If you find that the reheated salad is a bit dry, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil or water over the top and toss gently to rehydrate the ingredients.
Interesting Fact About Lemony Orzo Salad
Orzo salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized with various ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and cheese.
Is Making Lemony Orzo Salad Cost-Effective?
This lemony orzo salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as orzo, spinach, chickpeas, and cucumber, are affordable and readily available. The addition of fresh herbs and feta cheese elevates the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. This refreshing salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and deliciousness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and satisfying option.
Is This Lemony Orzo Salad Healthy?
This lemony orzo salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that incorporates several healthy ingredients:
- Orzo: A type of pasta that provides complex carbohydrates for energy
- Spinach and basil: Leafy greens rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Chickpeas: A good source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Cucumber and red onion: Low-calorie vegetables that add crunch and flavor
- Lemon and olive oil: Provide healthy fats and vitamin C
The combination of these ingredients creates a satisfying meal that is relatively low in calories and high in nutrients. However, there are a few aspects that could be adjusted to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of feta cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease the overall fat content
- Use whole wheat orzo to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
- Add more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, to boost the vitamin and mineral content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on salt
To further elevate the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a more complete meal
- Use a mix of different colored vegetables to ensure a wide range of antioxidants and phytochemicals
- Add a handful of nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, for healthy fats and extra crunch
- Drizzle with a yogurt-based dressing instead of olive oil for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
Editor's Take on This Lemony Orzo Salad Recipe
This lemony orzo salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and zesty flavors. The orzo provides a satisfying base, while the chickpeas and feta add a nice touch of creaminess and saltiness. The addition of spinach, cucumber, red onion, basil, and mint brings a refreshing and vibrant element to the dish. The dressing made with fresh lemon juice and olive oil ties everything together beautifully. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer gathering. It's a versatile and delicious recipe that is sure to impress!
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Why trust this Lemony Orzo Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a refreshing and flavorful dish. The combination of lemony orzo with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables creates a vibrant and satisfying salad. The use of chickpeas adds a delightful texture and a boost of protein, while the crumbled feta provides a creamy and tangy finish. With the zesty touch of lemons and the richness of olive oil, this recipe promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Trust in the quality and balance of ingredients, and you'll be rewarded with a delightful and nutritious meal.
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