Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Orzo Salad

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-03 · Updated 2026-08-03

A refreshing orzo pasta salad tossed with lemon, garlic, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean vegetables for a bright side dish. This Mediterranean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs orzo pasta, olive oil, 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 320 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 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced cucumber
• 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain again thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the cooled orzo, 1 medium diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a bright Mediterranean side dish.