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To create a fresh and tasty Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, you need a few key items: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup packed baby spinach - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled These ingredients blend well together. The orzo pasta is the base, and it pairs nicely with each fresh component. Freshness makes this salad stand out. You want to use: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness - Cucumber for crunch - Baby spinach for color - Red onion for a bit of zing These ingredients add vibrant flavors. They also give the salad a lovely texture. For those who want to kick the flavor up a notch, consider these add-ins: - Grilled chicken for protein - Avocado for creaminess - Olives for a salty touch These extras can personalize your salad. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling 2 cups of vegetable broth in a medium pot. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until it is al dente. When done, drain the orzo and let it cool. This step is key to keeping the salad fresh. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these together until they blend well. This dressing adds a bright flavor to the salad and brings everything together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, and 1 cup of packed baby spinach. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix. Make sure all the ingredients are well coated. Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top and toss lightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish! To cook orzo just right, start by boiling vegetable broth. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add the orzo to the boiling broth. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Taste it to check if it's al dente, which means firm but not hard. Drain the orzo in a colander and let it cool. This step is key to avoid mushy pasta in your salad. When tossing your salad, use a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and spinach first. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Use two large spoons to gently mix the ingredients. Be careful not to break the feta cheese as you toss. A light touch helps keep every bite tasty and fresh. To boost the flavors, try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also adjust the lemon juice for more zing. If you like creaminess, try adding avocado. Always taste your salad before serving. This lets you balance the flavors just right for your palate. Pro Tips Cook Orzo Al Dente: Be sure to cook the orzo until it's al dente to maintain a perfect texture in the salad. It will continue to absorb liquids and soften if overcooked. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or artichokes to personalize the salad to your taste. Make It Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day! Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Enhance the taste by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint along with parsley for a refreshing twist. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad. Grilled chicken adds great flavor and texture. Simply slice cooked chicken breast and toss it in with the salad. Shrimp is another tasty choice. Cook shrimp until pink, then mix them in. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. They add protein and make the salad heartier. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Roasted zucchini or asparagus also work well. You can even add artichoke hearts for a unique twist. Just remember to chop vegetables into small pieces. This keeps every bite full of flavor. While the lemon and garlic dressing is simple, you can get creative. Try a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweeter touch. A yogurt dressing can give a creamy feel. If you like spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Every option can change the salad's vibe, making it fun to experiment. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing the container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The orzo may soak up some dressing over time. It is best to eat it within this time for the best taste and texture. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, warm it gently in the microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. Be careful not to overheat, as this can change the salad's texture and flavor. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. The flavors blend well when chilled. Prepare it up to a day before serving. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Keep the feta cheese separate until serving. This keeps it fresh and avoids sogginess. If you want a different taste, use goat cheese or ricotta instead. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. These swaps still give a creamy texture and rich flavor. Alternatively, skip cheese entirely for a lighter dish. Yes! You can find gluten-free orzo made from rice, quinoa, or other grains. These options cook similarly to regular orzo. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without gluten. This article covered how to make Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad with fresh ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You now know how to cook orzo perfectly and mix it with delicious flavors. Consider trying different vegetables or adding protein for variety. Remember, storing leftovers properly helps maintain freshness. With this salad, you have a versatile dish that fits many meals. Enjoy creating your own version of this tasty salad.

Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad

A refreshing salad featuring orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon garlic dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 unit cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 unit red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup packed baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and spinach.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine until all the ingredients are well coated.
  • Add crumbled feta cheese to the salad and toss lightly to incorporate without breaking the cheese.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl and drizzle with a little extra olive oil and lemon for visual appeal. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty touch!
Keyword garlic, lemon, orzo, salad, vegetarian