Easy Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad is a simple and refreshing side dish that goes well with a variety of summer meals! It's easy to prepare and a great option for anyone who is gluten-free or dairy-free!
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking orzo pasta.
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 Ounces Gluten-Free Orzo I used Jovial Cassava Flour Orzo. Any type of orzo pasta will work though!
- 2 Cups Mini Cucumber or English Cucumber Cut in half-moon shape.
- 1+¼ Cups Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes Cut in half or in thirds the long way.
- ½ Cup Finely Diced Red Onion
- ⅓ Cup Chopped Kalamata Olives
- ¼ Cup Chopped Basil Stack the basil leaves then roll into a tube shape, and slice thinly into small strips.
Dressing
- 1 Lemon, Juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt Add more as needed.
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by cooking orzo according to instructions on the box. (I suggest doing a little less time so it's al dente.) When the orzo is ready, drain the water and add it to a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place in the refrigerator to cool.
- To assemble the salad, add the cooked orzo, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and chopped basil into a large bowl. Mix together with two spoons.
- Then add lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper into the salad. Stir well until the pasta and vegetables are fully coated. Place in the refrigerator to chill until you're ready to serve.
Notes
Expert Tips
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- Rinse the orzo with cold water to help cool it down faster.
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- Stir in a little olive oil to the cooked orzo to prevent it from sticking. I also recommend stirring it a few times while it's cooling.
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- Soak the chopped red onions in water before adding to the salad to minimize the potent flavor.
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- To ensure the lemon vinegarette is evenly distributed, whisk together in a small bowl before pouring over the salad.
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- For best results, make this salad the night before or the morning of.
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- Use a lemon juicer to save time! (Trust me, it's a game changer!)
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. ** See full post for more helpful tips and step by step photos!Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 384mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 206IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
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