Mediterranean Risoni Salad (Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad)

Mediterranean Risoni Salad (aka Orzo Pasta Salad) has the flavors of lemon, dill and feta. Quick and easy, this salad is wonderful as a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner with the addiction of your favorite protein.

Up close photo of Risoni Salad with lemon slices and fresh dill sprigs.

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Overhead photo of Lemon Risoni Salad in a bowl on a white countertop.

One of my favorite things to bring to potlucks/BBQ’s are pasta salads. 

Honestly, I love making them because I love eating them and they hold up well with being made ahead of time and then traveling. 

Additionally, they are always a hit with friends and family. 

It rare to not see people go back for seconds and sometimes thirds with my Springtime Pasta Salad and my family barely lets me finish making my Bacon Tortellini Pasta Salad before they are attacking it with forks. 

Also, during the summer months I love that my Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad takes only 20 minutes to make and that my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad has nothing that will spoil in the summer sun.

Equally important though, pasta salads like this Risoni Salad, are an incredibly easy way to feed family especially during busy seasons of life when everyone’s schedule is different. Make the salad up ahead of time and it’s available to eat by just simply serving .

 

Orzo Salad served in two wooden bowls on a white surface.

A small bowl of Orzo Pasta Salad garnished with two lemon slices and a fork sitting next to the bowl.

What Is Risoni Pasta?

Risoni pasta, also know as orzo or pastina (small pasta), feels like it falls somewhere between a rice and pasta. It is small, delicate and wonderful for all kinds of recipes like soup, salads and main dishes. Additionally, it is wonderful to keep on hand for quick 30 min meals. 

Why Mediterranean Diet 

The Mediterranean Diet isn’t an actual diet per say, but rather and eating approach. The benefits of a Mediterranean diet range from heart health, protection from disease and possible protection from developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the basic rules of eating a Mediterranean diet and how this salad falls within this approach.

  • Eat plenty of fruit and veggies. This orzo salad has a good amount of non starchy veggies. 
  • Use whole grains and eat more beans, nut and higher fiber foods. This version of orzo fulfills this plus is gluten-free. 
  • Utilize healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil
  • Eat more seafood and less red meat. Add in a can of wild caught salmon to help achieve this. 
  • Add in more herbs and spices. My favorite all-time herb

 

Best Tips for Making Risoni Salad

  • To help keep the veggies crisp, it is best to add the orzo just to the vinaigrette and then refrigerate. Cooling the orzo will help to prevent the veggies from becoming heat damaged. 
  • Let the orzo cool for about 20 mins in the refrigerator, making sure to stir every so often. Cut the veggies while the orzo cools. 
  • Treat the orzo like a pasta by cooking in plenty of heavily salted water and do not rinse. 
  • The addition of these green olives takes this salad to over the top delicious. 

Additional Mediterranean Flavors

Here is a secret, pasta salads are extremely versatile and very forgiving. Basically if there is an ingredient you don’t like, simply change it for something you do. Additional Mediterranean flavors and ingredients that can be added or exchanged very simply are finally chopped Italian parsley, capers, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, oregano, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and white beans such as cannellini. 

How Long Does Orzo Salad Last? 

Because the veggies will start to loose their crispness due to the salt from this recipe, it is best to use the salad within two days. It will last up to 5 days, however it will just not taste as fresh. 

What Goes With This Mediterranean Risoni Salad

It goes without saying that this orzo salad is a great companion to seafood dishes like Marinated Grilled Shrimp Kabobs and Panko Crusted Salmon

If your craving red meat however, it pairs extremely well with this  Best Rib Eye Steak recipe and these Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops

Also during the Spring and Summer months this pasta salad is heavenly with Best Ever Dry Rub Wings or my Greek Chicken recipe. 

 

If you enjoyed this Orzo Pasta Salad please let me know by leaving a comment and review below. Doing so helps to encourage others to make the recipe also. Thank you!

Mediterranean Risoni Salad in a wooden bowl.

Mediterranean Risoni Salad (Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad)

Light and fresh, this Mediterranean Risoni Salad (Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad) is loaded with flavor and healthy veggies. Great as a side dish for potlucks or family dinners. Add your favorite protein for a complete meal.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: Lemon Orzo Salad, Orzo salad, Risoni Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 226kcal
Author: Heather

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice *about 2 juicy lemons
  • 5-6 cloves garlic *crushed
  • 2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Salad

  • 16 oz orzo pasta
  • 1/2 med red onion *diced, about 3/4 cup
  • 2 small English cucumbers *diced, (or 6 small Persian cucumbers diced)
  • 16 oz tear drop tomatoes *cut in half, (or cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 lg yellow or orange bell pepper *diced
  • 1 16 oz can green olives *cut in halves, see Best Tips for Makingย Risoni Salad section above
  • 10 oz feta *crumbled or cubed

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling season heavily with salt and cook risoni (orzo) following instructions on the package.
  • Meanwhile whisk together ingredients for vinaigrette in a large mizing bowl.
  • Drain risoni and toss with vinaigrette. Place in refrigerate to cool while preparing veggies, making sure to stir risoni occasionally.
  • Prepare veggies. Once risoni has cooled to room temperature, toss in veggies and let chill in refrigerator before serving (about 1 hour).

Notes

*Please use as many organic ingredients as possible.ย 
Recipe Notes
The lemon juice in this recipe creates a very zippy and bright tasting pasta salad. For a little less tang, lower the lemon juice to 1/3 cup and exchange feta cheese for a more mild cheese such as mozzarella.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 226kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 278mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thefedupfoodie or tag #thefedupfoodie!

 

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Lemon, garlic, dill oh my! The combination of flavors along with the crunchy veggies make this a wonderfully light and very delicious salad.

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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