Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
Creating Lemon Pea Orzo Salad is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Peas: If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green. If using frozen peas, simply thaw them under warm water.
3. Drain and Rinse: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo, fresh peas, parsley, mint, and feta cheese (if using).
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon dressing over the orzo mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
8. Chill: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve: Before serving, give the salad a good toss. Garnish with additional herbs or feta if desired.
These steps will help you create a vibrant and delicious Lemon Pea Orzo Salad with ease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 9g