Zucchini and Orzo Salad

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Zucchini and Orzo Salad is the perfect light yet satisfying dish for any occasion. Tender orzo pasta is paired with crisp zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, then tossed in a zesty homemade lemon-garlic dressing for a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish, making this salad as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or weeknight dinners. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a versatile side dish or a crowd-pleasing vegetarian main course.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 2 medium Zucchini
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Red onion
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, then cut each round in half to form half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 6

Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad as a garnish.

Step 7

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	978.6 grams (978.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1619

Total Fat 77.40g	99%
Saturated Fat 19.00g	95%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.10g
Cholesterol 67mg	22%
Sodium 5785mg	252%
Total Carbohydrate 196.80g	72%
Dietary Fiber 17.10g	61%
Total Sugars 37.70g
Protein 42.20g	84%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 524mg	40%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 1499mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 47.6%