Description
This Healthy Easy Orzo Lemon Salad is bursting with fresh flavors and simple ingredients. Perfectly cooked orzo pairs with colorful veggies and feta for a delightful, healthy meal that’s great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups uncooked orzo
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt to taste
- cracked black pepper to taste
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente (check your package for timing — it’s usually around 7 minutes).
- Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water until it’s cool to the touch. Shake off as much excess water as you can.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the red bell pepper, dice the celery and onion, and roughly chop the parsley. Zest the lemon, then juice it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the chopped veggies, feta, and parsley. Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest over the top. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper, and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve right away at room temperature, or chill it for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For a heartier salad, add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg