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Lemon Herb Orzo Salad – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Lemon Herb Orzo Salad

This Lemon Herb Orzo Salad is the perfect combination of satisfying pasta, vibrant veggies, and a zesty, bright dressing. Packed with plant-based protein from edamame and walnuts, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prep, a light dinner, or a standout side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 261
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole wheat orzo, made without eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 orange bell pepper, seeded, cut into ½-inch dice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) thinly sliced fresh basil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) finely chopped fresh dill
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4.1 fl oz) chopped walnuts
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml / 0 fl oz) each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Meal prep champion: This salad is fantastic for meal prep. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better overnight.
  • Customize your salad: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies! Diced cucumber, red onion, or crumbled vegan feta would all be delicious additions. For a nut-free version, try toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  3. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the frozen edamame to the pot.
  4. Drain the orzo and edamame together in a fine-mesh colander.
  5. Do not rinse.
  6. Transfer the hot mixture to a large serving bowl.
  7. Add the diced orange pepper, halved tomatoes, fresh basil, dill, and chopped walnuts to the bowl with the orzo.
  8. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  9. Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
  10. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
  11. Don't rinse the pasta!
  12. Draining the orzo without rinsing allows the starches to help the zesty lemon dressing cling to every single piece.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 9gFat: 103g

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