Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta
A bright, refreshing orzo pasta salad tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese 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 6, 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 1/2 cups (about 270 g) orzo pasta
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chiffonade (thinly sliced) fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes until emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup chiffonade fresh basil leaves. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is the perfect dish for a light lunch! The cherry tomatoes and feta add such a nice burst of flavor.
- ★★★★★
This salad is a summer staple in my house! The lemon and basil really brighten up the orzo. So easy to make for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the fresh flavors, but the lemon dressing was a bit too tart for my family's taste. Next time I'll reduce the lemon.
