Orzo Salad with Dill
Bright, zesty, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Orzo Salad with Dill is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, red onion, and fragrant fresh dill, all brought together by a tangy lemon and garlic dressing. Creamy crumbles of feta cheese add a delightful richness, while optional baby spinach ups the nutrient factor. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and is best served chilled to let the vibrant flavors shine. Whether you're seeking a refreshing summer side dish or a satisfying vegetarian meal, this orzo salad is guaranteed to deliver.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium English cucumber
- 0.25 medium red onion
- 0.25 cup fresh dill
- 0.5 cup feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (around 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
While the orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh dill.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, dill, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss until everything is well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
If using, fold in the baby spinach for added greens.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld or serve immediately as a light and refreshing dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.5 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2108 mg | 92% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.1 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.0 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.9 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 575 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1364 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
