The ultimate summer BBQ side dish has arrived, and it’s a total game-changer! Say hello to the lemon orzo salad, a refreshing, zesty, and ridiculously easy-to-make pasta salad that’s about to become your new favorite picnic food. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cold pasta dish on a hot summer day? Am I right?
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve tried my fair share of Greek orzo recipes, but this one takes the cake. Or should I say, it takes the lemon orzo? Okay, moving on. The point is, this salad is a must-try for any vegetarian side dish enthusiast. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Classic Lemon Orzo Salad
This recipe rocks because it’s a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, with a hint of freshness from the lemon zest. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orzo
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup of crumbly feta cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
3. Add the cooked orzo to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo salad is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, pasta salad perfection, and can be customized to your taste. Plus, it’s a great picnic food idea that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Spinach and Feta Lemon Orzo Salad
This recipe rocks because it adds a boost of nutrients from the spinach and a tangy kick from the feta cheese. It’s like a healthy, delicious party in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orzo
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of crumbly feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
3. Add the cooked orzo to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Stir in spinach leaves and feta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo salad is a great way to get your daily dose of greens in, and the feta cheese adds a nice salty kick. Plus, it’s a vegetarian side dish that’s perfect for any summer BBQ.
Grilled Veggie Lemon Orzo Salad
This recipe rocks because it adds a smoky flavor from the grilled veggies and a pop of color to the dish. It’s like a cold pasta dish on steroids!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of orzo
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 cup of grilled zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup of grilled bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
3. Add the cooked orzo to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Stir in grilled zucchini, grilled bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It:
This lemon orzo salad is a great way to use up any grilled veggies you have on hand, and the lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the dish. Plus, it’s a pasta salad that’s perfect for any summer gathering.
In conclusion, these lemon orzo salads are the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic food spread. They’re easy to make, cold pasta dishes that are packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re a fan of classic, spinach and feta, or grilled veggie, there’s a lemon orzo salad out there for you. So go ahead, give one (or all) of these recipes a try, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your vegetarian side dish skills!
