Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe – Fresh, Zesty & Meal Prep Friendly

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and zesty dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weekday lunches to picnic spreads. Made with tender orzo pasta, crunchy vegetables, tangy feta, and a lemony vinaigrette, it comes together in under 30 minutes and holds up beautifully in the fridge. It’s easily customizable with protein or extra veggies, making it both versatile and meal-prep friendly.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill (optional), chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
  2. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and optional spinach. Crumble feta and chop herbs.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, vegetables, feta, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss well.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Best served chilled after flavors meld together.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg