Vegetarian Lemon Basil Orzo Salad Recipe
Looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful vegetarian dish? This Lemon Basil Orzo Salad is the perfect answer! It’s bursting with bright citrus flavors, fresh herbs, and tender orzo pasta, making it a delightful side dish or a light lunch. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients.
This salad is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal produce. Some excellent additions include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange add a nice sweetness), cucumber, or even some grilled zucchini. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability!
Why you’ll love this Lemon Basil Orzo Salad:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful: The lemon basil dressing is the star!
- Versatile: Serve it as a side, lunch, or even a light dinner.
- Vegetarian: A delicious and satisfying meat-free option.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your favorite veggies and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo and the lemon basil dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Add any additional vegetables you desire (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.).
- If using, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill for later. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Tips and Variations:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute spinach or arugula for the basil.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.
- To make it a more substantial meal, add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
Enjoy this bright and flavorful Lemon Basil Orzo Salad! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Search terms like “vegetarian orzo salad”, “lemon basil pasta salad”, and “easy vegetarian recipes” will help others find this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
orzo pasta, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh basil, salt, pepper, feta cheese
Tags:
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