Description
Elevate your salad experience with this Lemon Basil Orzo Salad, a vibrant dish bursting with the zesty flavor of lemon and the aromatic touch of fresh basil. Perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches, this salad combines tender orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, all brought together by a tangy dressing. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also nutritious and easy to customize, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, chopped vegetables, minced basil, and feta cheese if using. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg