Refreshing Greek Lemon Orzo Salad (Risoni)

Name: Refreshing Greek Lemon Orzo Salad (Risoni)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 cup risoni / orzo pasta; 350 g cherry tomatoes; 2 Lebanese / Persian cucumbers; 150 g firm feta; 0.25 red onion; 1 green capsicum/bell pepper; 150 g whole black olives; 5 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1.5 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp sugar; 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper

A vibrant and zesty Mediterranean pasta salad featuring tender orzo, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a bright lemon-oregano vinaigrette, it's the perfect light lunch or side dish for your next gathering.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time10 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

risoni / orzo pasta
1 cup
cherry tomatoes
350 g
Lebanese / Persian cucumbers
2
firm feta
150 g
red onion
0.3
green capsicum/bell pepper
1
whole black olives
150 g
olive oil
5 tbsp
lemon juice
3 tbsp
lemon zest
2 tsp
dried oregano
1.5 tsp
Dijon mustard
1 tsp
garlic, minced
1 clove
sugar
1 tsp
salt
0.5 tsp
black pepper
1 pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until well emulsified, then set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo (risoni) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly.

Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped bell pepper, sliced red onion, and whole black olives.

Finish and serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently. Add the crumbled feta cheese and give it one final light toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for better flavor development.

Chef's Tips

For the best results, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. If you are making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the ingredients just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint can provide an extra layer of freshness.