Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

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

A vibrant, no-cook salad featuring perfectly portioned orzo pasta and crisp vegetables, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette that’s ready in 23 minutes. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 23 minutes pairs orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber 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 250 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz orzo pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion to the dressing, tossing gently until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cooled orzo and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 min prep + 8 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 Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

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 Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

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 Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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.

What goes well with Packet-Sized Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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