Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts
Overview
This delightful Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts is a refreshing dish inspired by a gourmet deli find. With its zesty lemon flavor, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a perfect addition to any potluck or summer gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal option when you’re short on time but still craving something deliciously satisfying. Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to this culinary gem!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Orzo Pasta: 1 cup
- Bouillon Cubes: 2 (optional, for flavoring the cooking water)
- Lemon Zest: Zest of 3 lemons
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Pine Nuts: 1/2 cup, toasted
- Feta Cheese: 1 cup, crumbled
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 294.7
- Total Fat: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.3g
- Cholesterol: 13.3mg
- Sodium: 170.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9.2g
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your pine nuts are not already toasted, spread them out on a cookie sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. |
| 2 | In a large pot, bring water to a boil. If desired, add the bouillon cubes to infuse the cooking water with extra flavor. |
| 3 | Once the water is boiling, add the orzo pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s tender yet still slightly firm to the bite, typically around 8-10 minutes. |
| 4 | Drain the cooked orzo in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. |
| 5 | Transfer the drained orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest, tossing everything together until the orzo is evenly coated with the citrusy goodness. |
| 6 | Next, gently fold in the toasted pine nuts, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped basil leaves, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the salad. |
| 7 | Season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the seasoning as needed to suit your taste preferences. |
| 8 | For an extra burst of lemony freshness, feel free to drizzle a bit more lemon juice over the salad, if desired. |
| 9 | Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify. |
| 10 | Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the flavors, then serve it up and enjoy the vibrant, zesty goodness of this Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts! |
Recipe Notes
- Toasting Pine Nuts: Keep a close eye on the pine nuts while toasting them in the oven to prevent them from burning. They can go from golden brown to burnt quite quickly!
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to freshen it up.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this salad to your liking by adding other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or thinly sliced red onions for extra color and flavor.
With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and easy preparation, this Lemony Orzo Salad with Feta and Pine Nuts is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. Give it a try and prepare to dazzle your taste buds with every delightful bite! 🍋🌿
