Description
This Flavorful Spring Orzo Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and packed with seasonal ingredients. Tender orzo, crisp vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon dressing come together for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, lunches, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked orzo pasta, cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped and lightly blanched
- 1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Prepare orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water, then set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled orzo with tomatoes, cucumber, asparagus, peas, red onion, parsley, and basil.
- Add feta cheese and pine nuts, gently tossing to combine.
- Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve: Garnish with extra herbs and feta before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made a day ahead and tastes even better after resting. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Keep refrigerated and stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spring orzo pasta salad, orzo salad recipe, lemon herb pasta salad, mediterranean salad, easy spring recipe
