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To make your Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, gather the following: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen and thawed) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free orzo. It works well with the same cooking method. Orzo pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, giving you energy. It is low in fat, making it a healthy choice. The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. For example: - Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. - Cucumbers hydrate and are low in calories. - Corn adds fiber and sweetness to the mix. - Parsley is packed with vitamins K and C. - Feta cheese offers protein and calcium. Each serving of this salad contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of feta and oil used. It’s a light yet filling dish, perfect for lunch or as a side. To cook orzo, start by bringing two cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. This broth adds great flavor. Once it boils, add one cup of orzo pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it is al dente. Al dente means it should be firm, not mushy. After cooking, drain the orzo in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the orzo from sticking. Rinsing also helps keep the pasta fresh and separate. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with fresh ingredients. Add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, one diced cucumber, and a finely chopped red onion. Include one cup of corn, either fresh or thawed from frozen. Toss in one-fourth cup of finely chopped parsley for color and flavor. For the dressing, whisk together one-fourth cup of extra virgin olive oil, three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and two cloves of minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. This ensures all the flavors mix well without breaking the pasta or veggies. To serve your Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, use a large salad bowl. This allows for a beautiful presentation. Sprinkle one-fourth cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a nice salty flavor. For extra flair, garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley. These bright colors make the dish stand out. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can make this Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad suit your taste. Here are some good ideas: - Vegetarian and vegan options: Omit the feta cheese to keep it vegan. You can add avocado for creaminess. - Seasonal ingredients: Use fresh herbs like basil or mint in summer. In fall, try roasted butternut squash. Each season brings new flavors. Proper storage keeps the salad fresh. Here’s how: - Storing leftovers: Place the salad in an airtight container. It helps keep the ingredients crisp. - Freshness duration: The salad stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to add any toppings like cheese right before serving. {{image_4}} How long can I keep the Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad in the fridge? You can keep the Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad in the fridge for about three days. After that, it may lose its freshness. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasty. Can I prepare this salad a day in advance? Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. It helps the flavors blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. How do I enhance the flavor of the dressing? To boost the dressing's flavor, add more lemon juice or zest. You can also mix in mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. This Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad comes together quickly. First, you cook the orzo in vegetable broth. Next, mix in fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. Then, whisk together a zesty lemon dressing. Finally, toss everything together and add feta cheese. For complete instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To make your dish shine, serve it in a large bowl. Take photos in natural light for the best results. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh look to your salad. You want it to look as good as it tastes! If you love the Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, you might enjoy other orzo dishes. Orzo pasta is versatile and works well in many salads. Here are a few ideas: - Mediterranean Orzo Salad: This salad adds olives, bell peppers, and artichokes for a bold taste. - Orzo Caprese Salad: Combine orzo with fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes for a classic mix. - Pesto Orzo Salad: Toss orzo with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach for a fresh, green flavor. For refreshing salads, consider these options: - Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is packed with protein and pairs well with veggies and vinaigrette. - Greek Salad: This salad features cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta, giving a tasty Mediterranean touch. - Spinach Strawberry Salad: Sweet strawberries and spinach create a nice balance of flavors. To enhance your Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, choose the right drinks and main dishes. Here are my top picks: - Beverages: - Lemonade: A refreshing, tart drink that matches the salad's bright flavors. - Iced Tea: A light tea with lemon can be a great, cool complement. - Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine has citrus notes that work well with the salad. - Main Dishes: - Grilled Chicken: Simple grilled chicken adds protein and pairs nicely with the salad. - Fish Tacos: Their light flavors and crunch balance the salad's freshness. - Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of veggies adds more texture and taste. These pairings make your meal more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps! You've learned how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad. We explored key ingredients, their benefits, and how to prepare each part. Remember the steps for cooking and mixing to create great flavors. We also shared tips on variations and how to store leftovers. This salad is versatile and easy to make. I encourage you to try it yourself. Enjoy the freshness and good health it brings to your meals!

Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad

Dive into the refreshing taste of Zesty Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad, perfect for any occasion! This vibrant dish combines orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a flavorful lemon-garlic dressing to create a delightful summer salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a great side or light meal. Click to explore the simple steps and elevate your dining experience with this delicious recipe! Don't miss out on the zesty goodness!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen and thawed)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Heat the vegetable broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil.

    Carefully add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.

      Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt further cooking. Allow it to cool completely.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, corn, and chopped parsley. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together.

          In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful dressing.

            Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and, using a spatula, toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

              Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and give it another gentle toss to incorporate the cheese without breaking it up too much.

                Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary to suit your palate.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a beautifully arranged large salad bowl. Garnish it with extra lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh parsley on top, adding a vibrant pop of color and a fresh aroma.