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Delicious Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Delicious Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad for Bright Summer Days

This Delicious Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta cook until al dente
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves chopped
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese omit for vegan version
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Spatula or large fork

Method
 

Cooking and Assembling
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente. Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir gently to meld their juices.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, blending well until emulsified.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cooled orzo and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are coated.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and fold it in. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Once chilled, give the salad a gentle toss and serve garnished with extra basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience, and flavors will blend beautifully during chilling.

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