Lemony Dill Delight
This simple and refreshing orzo salad is the perfect summer side dish. It's light, flavorful, and packed with bright, fresh ingredients. The combination of lemon, dill, and feta is classic, and the black olives add a salty, briny touch. It's the perfect salad to bring to a potluck or picnic, and it's also great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe was inspired by a trip to Greece that I took a few years ago. I was staying on the island of Crete, and I had the pleasure of eating some of the most delicious food of my life. One of my favorite dishes was a simple orzo salad made with lemon, dill, and feta. I loved the bright, fresh flavors, and I knew that I had to recreate it when I got home. I've been making this salad ever since, and it's become one of my go-to summer recipes. It's easy to make, it's always a hit with my friends and family, and it's the perfect way to use up all of the fresh herbs that are in season during the summer.
Lemony Dill Delight Lemony Dill Delight Lemony Dill Delight Lemony Dill Delight
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped black olives
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook orzo pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, red onion, dill, feta cheese, and olives.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
  • The combination of lemon, dill, and feta is a classic for a reason. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon pairs perfectly with the fresh, herbal notes of the dill, and the salty, tangy feta adds a nice contrast.
  • The black olives add a salty, briny touch to the salad, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the lemon and the creaminess of the feta.
  • Using orzo pasta instead of a larger pasta shape makes the salad feel lighter and more summery.