Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Pasta (Printable Version)

Zesty orzo with fresh veggies, lemon, and feta offers a light, flavorful Mediterranean meal for four.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

→ Dressing & Flavorings

08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - Salt, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Boil orzo in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.
03 - Add cooked orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
04 - Fold in crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Mix carefully to distribute throughout.
05 - Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick preparation means dinner is hands-off and ready in thirty minutes
  • Everything follows a true Mediterranean spirit simple hearty and packed with flavor
  • Flexible as a side or main and perfect for potlucks or lunchboxes
  • Brings together favorite pantry staples and plentiful veggies for nourishing comfort
02 -
  • High in plant-based protein and fiber from pasta and veggies
  • Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize for other diets
  • Delicious whether served immediately or after a quick chill in the fridge
03 -
  • Do not overcook the orzo since a little bite makes the salad more satisfying
  • Rinse the pasta well so it does not get sticky when tossed with veggies
  • Use a microplane for zesting lemons to get the brightest citrus flavor without bitterness

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