Description
Fresh Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender orzo pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy plant-based feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing made with natural ingredients, this salad offers bright Mediterranean flavors that are light, nourishing, and perfect for warm days or any time you crave a colorful, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Herbs and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Lemon Dressing
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (natural), minced
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Boil the orzo pasta in salted water until tender but firm to the bite, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the orzo cooks, chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Finely chop fresh parsley and mint to release their fragrance.
- Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or oil if needed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled orzo with the prepared vegetables, fresh herbs, and plant-based feta cheese. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and mix to combine all flavors evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or slightly cool for best taste.
Notes
- Rinse orzo with cold water after boiling to prevent sticking and keep it cool.
- Chop herbs finely for maximum flavor distribution.
- Taste the dressing before adding to balance lemon and oil perfectly.
- Refrigerate salad before serving to enhance freshness and flavor absorption.
- Serve the salad chilled or slightly cool for the best refreshing experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Greek, Orzo Pasta Salad, Lemon Dressing, Mediterranean, Plant-based, Vegetarian, Fresh Salad, Easy Recipe, Healthy Lunch
