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Home » Appetizers & Sides » Orzo Lemon Salad

Published: Jan 28, 2022 · Modified: Sep 6, 2022 by Kelsey· This post may contain affiliate links ·

Orzo Lemon Salad

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This bright and refreshing lemony orzo salad is packed full of fresh vegetables and fresh flavors!

A picture of a white bowl with orzo pasta salad inside. Garnished with green basil leaves.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • This orzo pasta salad is incredibly easy to make and is super simple to follow.
  • There are a variety of different vegetables in this dish to help you hit your daily veggie quota.
  • Storage and meal prepping are a breeze with this lemon orzo pasta salad. This dish holds up well in the fridge for up to five days when stored in an airtight container.

If you're looking for other delicious orzo recipes, be sure to try my Vegan Orzo Soup and my Greek Orzo Salad next!

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients including: onion, agave nectar, shallot, cucumber, salt, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, orzo, tomatoes, and lemon.

I try to use organic and locally sourced produce whenever possible. If you want a little more information on what makes organic produce different, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic about organic food.

Orzo: Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Option to sub a gluten-free orzo to make this a gluten-free dish.

Lemon: I love the fresh and bright flavors that the lemon brings to this lemony orzo pasta salad. Orzo salad with lemon is one of the best combinations in my opinion.

Try to use freshly squeezed lemon in this recipe for the best and freshest results.

Vegetables: I used a combination a tomato, cucumber, onion, and asparagus to add fresh flavor and textures into this dish.

Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs to this recipe makes the entire dish pop with fresh flavors! I used a combination of basil and fresh rosemary.

Homemade Vinaigrette: I make a homemade lemon vinaigrette to toss the vegan orzo salad in. It is made using a combination of olive oil, freshly minced garlic (to make this delicious lemon garlic orzo, yum!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

An overhead picture of a bowl of fresh pasta salad filled with fresh vegetables and with a bunch of basil leaves on top.

I like to start out by making the vinaigrette and then setting it aside. Doing this first will allow plenty of time for the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Next you'll cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once it's cooked to your preference, drain and rinse under cool water.

Wash and prep all other veggies and ingredients according to the ingredient list.

Once everything is prepared and ready, combine everything into a large bowl and gently mix it all together.

For best results, wait about 30 minutes after mixing everything together. This lets the flavors do their thing and you'll have the most delicious orzo pasta salad!

A coconut bowl filled with fresh orzo pasta salad

Substitutions and Variations

You can swap out any of the vegetables in this recipe for ones that you have on hand. I do highly recommend for any veggie you take out, you put a new one in its place. This helps maintain a variety of flavors and textures.

Lemon Spinach Orzo: Add two cups of fresh baby spinach to this recipe for more of a true salad feel.

Lemon Asparagus Orzo: I love adding a cup of grilled, roasted, or blanched asparagus to this recipe.

Check out this recipe about how to blanch asparagus if you're unsure of how to do this.

Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap the orzo for a gluten-free option instead to make this a gluten free orzo salad.

Make it More of a Salad: Add fresh salad greens to give this vegan orzo salad more of a "salad" feel!

A close-up picture of a bowl filled with orzo salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs.

Be sure to try some of my other delicious plant based recipes:

  • Vegan Cajun Pasta
  • Ancient Grains Salad
  • Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
  • Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
An overhead picture of a bowl of fresh pasta salad filled with fresh vegetables and with a bunch of basil leaves on top.

Lemon Orzo Salad

Kelsey Riley
This bright and refreshing orzo salad is made with orzo, fresh vegetables and herbs, and tossed in a savory vinaigrette.
5 from 10 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo uncooked
  • 1 cup cucumbers diced
  • 1 shallot diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • ½ cup asparagus blanched, roasted, or grilled.
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped

Lemon Vinaigrette

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Wash and prep all produce according to the ingredient list.
  • Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. After cooking drain and set aside.
  • Mix together all of the ingredients for the vinaigrette and set aside.
  • Combine all ingredients for the orzo salad in a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette on top and toss the orzo salad until full coated in the dressing.

Notes

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal
Tried this recipe?Tag @plantedinthekitchen or tag #plantedinthekitchen!

More Vegan & Plant-Based Appetizers & Sides

  • Air Fryer Squash
  • Vegan Chickpea Salad
  • Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
  • Tabouli (Tabbouleh)

About Kelsey

Planted in the Kitchen is a plant based food blog. Here you will find healthy and delicious vegan recipes!

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Here you'll find delicious, healthy, and easy vegan recipes. I'm a registered nurse turned blogger with a passion for plant based food.

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