Cold Lemon-Dill Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

A refreshing orzo pasta salad tossed with zesty lemon, fresh dill, creamy feta, and sweet cherry tomatoes, ideal for outdoor dining. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, water, salt 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 270 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (dry) orzo pasta
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp for pasta water + 1/2 tsp for dressing salt
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup dry orzo pasta and cook uncovered for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Add the cooled orzo pasta to the lemon dressing along with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, then serve cold or at room temperature as a bright picnic side.