Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad
Ina Garten Recipes

Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad is a light and refreshing dish that perfectly balances bright citrus flavors with tender orzo pasta and fresh herbs. This salad is ideal for warm weather, picnics, or as a side dish for grilled meats. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create this vibrant and flavorful salad at home.

What is Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad?

Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad is a simple yet delicious pasta salad made with orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta. The salad is flavored with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs like dill and parsley. The result is a zesty, herby, and satisfying dish that can be served warm or cold. It’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes or be enjoyed on its own.

Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

  • Bright and Fresh Flavors: The lemon juice and zest give the salad a refreshing tang that’s perfect for any season.
  • Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a great option for busy days.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a picnic spread.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with fresh herbs and olive oil, this salad is both tasty and nutritious.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This can be prepared in advance and served chilled, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Kalamata olives, halved

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix the Salad: Add the cooked orzo to the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, red onion, cucumber, and feta cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If desired, garnish with Kalamata olives before serving.
Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

  • Grilled Chicken: The lemony flavors pair perfectly with grilled or roasted chicken.
  • Seafood: Serve alongside grilled shrimp, salmon, or any fish dish.
  • Vegetable Skewers: Add some grilled vegetable skewers for a hearty vegetarian meal.
  • Lamb: Complements the rich flavors of grilled or roasted lamb.
  • White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the salad’s citrusy notes.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

  • Cook Orzo Al Dente: Ensure the orzo is cooked just until al dente to maintain a firm texture in the salad.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley are key to the salad’s bright flavor, so avoid dried herbs.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad before serving allows the flavors to fully develop.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
  • Olive Oil Quality: Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.

Variations of Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

  • Herb Variations: Try adding mint or basil for a different herbal twist.
  • Vegan Version: Omit the feta cheese and add more vegetables or some toasted nuts for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling salad.
  • Greek Style: Incorporate Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Citrus Twist: Add some orange or lime zest for a unique citrus flavor combination.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Storing Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad: Best Practices

  • Airtight Container: Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
  • Refrigeration: Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days.
  • No Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the orzo and vegetables can become mushy.
  • Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
  • Serve Chilled: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Reheating Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad: Best Practices

  • No Reheating Needed: This salad is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: If the salad is too cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
  • Stir Well: Before serving, stir the salad well to ensure even distribution of the dressing and ingredients.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: If making ahead, consider adding fresh herbs just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare the salad as directed, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Stir well before serving and add fresh herbs if needed to refresh the flavors.

How do I keep the orzo from sticking together in the salad?

To keep the orzo from sticking together, make sure to rinse it under cold water after cooking. This will remove excess starch that can cause the pasta to clump. Toss the drained orzo with a small amount of olive oil before adding it to the salad to further prevent sticking.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo for this salad?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like couscous, quinoa, or ditalini as a substitute for orzo. Each will slightly alter the texture of the salad but will still absorb the lemon dressing and blend well with the herbs and other ingredients.

How long should I chill the Lemon Orzo Salad before serving?

For the best flavor, chill the Lemon Orzo Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the salad more refreshing. If possible, prepare it a few hours ahead of time for optimal taste.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to please. With its bright lemony flavor and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Follow this guide to create a delightful Lemon Orzo Salad that will become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the simplicity and taste of Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad and happy cooking!

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Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad

Ina Garten Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe

  • Author: Garin Elwood
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling (for the orzo
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

Ina Garten’s Lemon Orzo Salad is a simple yet delicious pasta salad made with orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta. The salad is flavored with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs like dill and parsley. The result is a zesty, herby, and satisfying dish that can be served warm or cold. It’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes or be enjoyed on its own.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Kalamata olives, halved

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Mix the Salad: Add the cooked orzo to the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, red onion, cucumber, and feta cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If desired, garnish with Kalamata olives before serving.

AboutGarin Elwood

I'm Chef Garin Elwood, excited to have you here! With over ten years of culinary experience, I’m here to make gourmet cooking easy for everyone.

At Garin Cooking Recipes, you’ll find a wide range of simple yet delicious recipes that are perfect for any home cook. From quick dinners to special occasion meals, every recipe is designed to be both enjoyable to make and great to eat.

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