Ina Garten’s Zesty Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe – Perfect Summer Side

Bright, zesty lemon orzo salad promises a tantalizing Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure that dances across your palate with refreshing elegance.

This vibrant pasta dish captures sunshine in every delectable bite, blending creamy textures with sharp citrus notes.

Soft, pearl-like pasta absorbs complex flavors from aromatic herbs and tangy citrus elements.

Mediterranean ingredients create a harmonious symphony of taste that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Delicate herbs and smooth cheese complement the pasta’s gentle curves, transforming a simple side into a memorable experience.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of richness and brightness, inviting you to savor every nuanced moment.

Summers call for light, effortless meals that celebrate fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques: dive in!

Tips for a Perfect Lemon Orzo Salad

• Zest Up Your Citrus: Grate lemon zest into the salad for an intense, bright flavor that complements the juice perfectly.
• Chill Ingredients Strategically: Cool the cooked orzo slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent wilting delicate herbs and vegetables.
• Customize Your Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or parmesan to create a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
• Prep Ahead with Precision: Make the salad up to 4 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator to let flavors meld together.
• Boost Protein Power: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store Lemon Orzo Salad for Later

• Cold Storage: Place cooled Lemon Orzo Salad in an airtight glass container with a tight-sealing lid. Pack contents gently to prevent ingredient separation. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and flavor quality.
• Ingredient Preservation: Separate delicate herbs like basil or parsley before storing to prevent wilting. Store these fresh herbs in a small sealed container or wrapped in slightly damp paper towel to maintain crispness. Add them back just before serving to restore original texture and vibrant taste.
• Moisture Management: Layer a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess liquid and prevent soggy orzo. This simple trick helps maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevents ingredients from becoming mushy during refrigeration. Check and replace paper towel if it becomes saturated during storage.

Fresh Twists on Lemon Orzo Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Garden: Replace dill with a mix of fresh basil, mint, and parsley for a vibrant herb-packed version that brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your plate.
• Grilled Vegetable Boost: Add charred zucchini, roasted bell peppers, and grilled red onions to transform the orzo salad into a hearty summer side dish with smoky undertones.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Incorporate grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy chickpeas to turn this light salad into a substantial main course packed with protein and flavor.
• Greek-Inspired Classic: Enhance the salad with kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and extra crumbled feta cheese to create a more traditional Greek-style orzo salad with authentic Mediterranean ingredients.

Final Thoughts on Ina’s Lemon Orzo Salad

Mediterranean charm meets summer freshness in Ina Garten’s lemon orzo salad.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside creamy feta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients whisper culinary stories of sunshine and coastal breezes.

Salt and pepper elevate each delicate grain of orzo with sophisticated simplicity.

Garten’s recipe promises a quick, elegant dish perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.

Savor this culinary masterpiece, share its delightful recipe with friends, leave a comment celebrating its Mediterranean magic, and spread the deliciousness across your social networks.

Why Lemon Orzo Salad Is Zesty and Refreshing

• Burst with Zesty Freshness: The combination of lemon zest and juice creates a bright, tangy flavor that instantly awakens your taste buds, making every bite a refreshing experience.
• Master a Simple Gourmet Technique: This recipe demonstrates how easy it is to transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal cooking skills and just a few simple steps.
• Perfect Summer Sidekick: Light, cool, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this orzo salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings, bringing a delicious touch to any summer meal.
• Quick and Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad can be served hot or cold, making it a flexible option for last-minute meals or planned entertaining that works for multiple occasions.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad

• Orzo: Small rice-shaped pasta perfect for light and refreshing salads, quick-cooking, and easy to mix with other ingredients.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy notes that add tangy freshness and complement the salad's overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb with a subtle anise-like taste that brings a clean, aromatic dimension to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps blend flavors and provides a silky texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients' natural tastes.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that adds a tangy Mediterranean touch and provides protein richness.

How to Make Lemon Orzo Salad with Ease

Step 1: Kickstart the Water Bath

Grab a large saucepan and fill it with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and sprinkle in some salt to boost the flavor.

Step 2: Dance with the Orzo

Gently pour the orzo into the bubbling water. Let it shimmy and cook for 9-11 minutes until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Drain the pasta completely, giving it a good shake to remove excess water.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Chopped dill

Season with salt and pepper to make those flavors pop.

Step 4: Finish with Feta Flourish

Crumble in the creamy feta cheese, folding it gently through the orzo. Mix until every bite promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness. Serve immediately while the salad is still warm and inviting.

Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon orzo salad brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate with zesty herbs and crisp vegetables. Summer’s perfect side dish combines tangy feta cheese, fresh dill, and bright citrus notes that invite refreshing flavors to dance across your palate.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Cheese:

• 1 cup small-diced feta, preferably Greek (4 ounces / 115g)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Base and Liquids:

• 1 cup orzo (200 grams)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious saucepan and fill it with 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of water, bringing the liquid to a vigorous rolling boil. Sprinkle of salt into the bubbling water to enhance the cooking process.
2. Carefully introduce the orzo pasta into the boiling salted water. Allow the water to return to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture with a slight firmness.
3. Position a colander in the sink and pour the cooked orzo into it, ensuring thorough drainage. Shake the colander gently to remove excess water, then transfer the pasta to a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Zest the lemon carefully, capturing only the bright yellow outer layer. Squeeze the same lemon to extract its fresh juice. Add the fragrant lemon zest and tangy juice to the warm orzo.
5. Drizzle high-quality olive oil over the pasta. Finely mince fresh dill and sprinkle it into the mixture. Season generously with of salt and of freshly ground black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Cube the feta cheese into small, uniform pieces. Gently fold the cheese into the seasoned orzo, allowing the warm pasta to slightly soften the cheese without completely melting it.
7. Serve the orzo salad immediately while still warm, ensuring the flavors are at their peak. The dish can be enjoyed as a vibrant side or light main course.

Notes

• Squeeze lemons just before mixing to capture the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in your dish.
• Prevent mushy pasta by stirring orzo occasionally and checking texture during cooking, aiming for that perfect al dente consistency.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta gently over the top moments before serving to maintain its delicate, creamy texture.
• Taste and adjust seasonings boldly, ensuring each bite bursts with balanced, harmonious flavors that dance on your palate.
• Embrace flexibility by serving this versatile salad warm or at room temperature, letting the ingredients shine at their most delicious moment.

• Prep Time: 4 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 267 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg