Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Dill Orzo Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Its bright flavors and simple ingredients make it easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs. Thanks to the orzo pasta, it has a satisfying texture, while the lemon and dill offer a zesty lift that makes it stand out.
How to Make Lemon Dill Orzo Salad
Ingredients :
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Directions :
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, lemon juice, fresh dill, diced cucumbers, and Feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Lemon Dill Orzo Salad
You can serve Lemon Dill Orzo Salad as a side dish, or it can be a light main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider adding some grilled vegetables or a fresh loaf of bread.
How to Store Lemon Dill Orzo Salad
To store leftover Lemon Dill Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it before serving as the flavors may meld together over time.
Tips to Make Lemon Dill Orzo Salad
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute Feta with goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Adding a splash of white wine vinegar can enhance the tangy flavor.
- For extra crunch, consider adding bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad by adding other ingredients like roasted bell peppers, olives, or avocado. To make it more filling, toss in some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Keep it in the fridge and serve it chilled.
What can I substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use other small pasta types like couscous or quinoa as a substitute.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. You can opt for gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
Lemon Dill Orzo Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing summer salad featuring vibrant flavors of lemon and dill, combined with orzo pasta and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, lemon juice, fresh dill, diced cucumbers, and Feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use fresh dill for the best flavor. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: orzo salad, lemon dill, summer salad, healthy meal