Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and cooling orzo pasta salad tossed with fresh mint, zesty lemon, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for summer picnics. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 24 minutes pairs dry orzo pasta, water, fresh lemon juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 9 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water with 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup dry orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooled orzo, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the lemon dressing.
  4. Step 4: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and provide a refreshing summer side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (15 min prep + 9 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dry orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chilled Lemon-Mint Orzo Salad with Feta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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