Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes

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

A bright and refreshing orzo salad tossed with fresh herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads (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 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour dressing over orzo mixture and toss gently to combine. Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Herbed Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes 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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