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Lemon Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

A bright and refreshing Lemon Orzo Salad with Goat Cheese combines tender orzo pasta, fresh peas, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing and topped with creamy goat cheese. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 leaves fresh mint, chopped

Salad

  • 4 oz. uncooked orzo
  • 2 cups English peas or frozen peas
  • 2 cups cucumber, sliced into thin half moons
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, minced
  • 1/4 cup salted sunflower seeds
  • 8 oz. marinated goat cheese or plain goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo: Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and stir periodically until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Cook the peas: About 2 minutes before the orzo finishes, add the peas to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Then strain the orzo and peas and rinse them in very cold water. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh mint in a Mason jar. Cover and shake vigorously until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add cooked orzo and peas, cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, minced red onion, arugula, basil, dill, sunflower seeds, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold to combine all ingredients.
  5. Add the dressing: Drizzle the prepared lemon dressing over the salad and fold gently again until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Add goat cheese: Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the salad, toss lightly, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh peas with frozen peas if fresh are not available.
  • For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Marinated goat cheese adds extra flavor, but plain crumbled goat cheese works well too.
  • This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/lemon-orzo-salad-with-goat-cheese-recipe/