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Serving bowl of Lemon Feta Orzo Pasta Salad with serving utensils

Lemon Feta Orzo Salad with Pistachios

Amber Dawn | The Host Notes
Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, this Lemon Feta Orzo Salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, cookouts, and summer dinners. It's a great foundation for your favorite additions: grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or chickpeas make it a complete meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 12 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-8 quart pot
  • Colander or strainer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board or butcher block
  • Chef's knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Serving bowl or platter
  • Serving spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine grater or microplane

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons 1-2 tablespoons
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar optional
  • 1-2 small cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon grated
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or white pepper
  • 2 cups Italian flat-leaf parsley or basil roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces fresh feta cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup chopped pistachios

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the orzo according to the package instructions, generously salting the pasta water. Once cooked to al dente, drain and rinse gently with cold water. Set aside.
  • Make the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the lemon vinaigrette and stir gently to coat.
  • Just before serving, fold in the chopped herbs, crumbled feta, and pistachios. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make the pasta and vinaigrette up to two days in advance when kept airtight in the refrigerator. Save the herb prep, nut chopping, and feta crumbling for day-of, just before serving.
  • Add some grilled chicken or prawns - they pair wonderfully with this simple pasta salad.
  • Make it your own: As always, if you have a stack of sliced almonds on hand or prefer a crumbly goat cheese, by all means - play around with this base recipe and make it something you and your guests will truly enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 222mgPotassium: 208mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 905IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Fresh, Hostable, Picnic, Potluck, Quick, Simple, Summer
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