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Fresh Creamy Lemon Herb Orzo Salad Recipe Easy and Perfect for Summer

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A bright, light, and refreshing orzo salad with a creamy lemon herb dressing and a nutty sesame ginger sauce, perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo pasta
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice, about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml juice)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and chives)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup diced cucumber (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 liter) of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 ½ cups (270 g) orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool slightly. Toss immediately with a little olive oil to keep it from clumping.
  2. While the orzo cooks, zest 1 large lemon and juice it (about 3 tablespoons / 45 ml). In a bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste to make a creamy lemon herb dressing.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce or tamari, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey, 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk until well blended to make the sesame ginger sauce.
  4. Roughly chop about 1/3 cup total fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives). Dice ½ cup cucumber and halve ½ cup cherry tomatoes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained orzo. Pour the lemon herb dressing over it and toss gently but thoroughly. Drizzle the sesame ginger sauce and toss again to distribute flavors evenly. Fold in chopped herbs, cucumber, and tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the salad for garnish and a little extra crunch. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the orzo; rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool for a fresher bite. Toss orzo while warm for better dressing absorption. Fresh herbs are essential for best flavor. Adjust salt carefully as soy sauce adds saltiness. Store in airtight container up to 3 days; add fresh herbs before serving to refresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo salad, lemon herb salad, sesame ginger sauce, summer salad, easy pasta salad, creamy lemon dressing, fresh herbs, picnic salad

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/fresh-creamy-lemon-herb-orzo-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/