A bright, simple salad that tastes like spring. Light, fresh, and ready in about 20 minutes.
Introduction
This Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad is fresh, bright, and easy to make. It uses peas, herbs, lemon, and orzo for a light meal or side. If you like simple pasta salads, try a different twist with this caesar pasta salad recipe for another idea.
Why make this recipe
- It is quick and simple.
- It uses few fresh ingredients.
- It works as a side dish or a light main.
- It is good cold or at room temperature.
How to make Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad
Make the orzo, mix the peas and herbs, and toss with lemon dressing. Chill or serve right away. For a sweeter cold salad idea, you can also pair it with a simple carrot raisin salad.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or basil)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, sweet peas, and chopped fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to serve Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad
Serve it cold or at room temperature. Offer it as a side with grilled fish, chicken, or a simple green salad. You can also eat it alone for a light lunch.
How to store Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad
Put the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. The herbs and lemon keep it fresh, but the salad is best the first day.
Tips to make Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad
- Cook the orzo until just tender, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- If peas are frozen, thaw or blanch them quickly.
- Taste and add more lemon or salt if needed.
Variation
- Add chopped cucumber or cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.
- Mix in crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan for a richer salad.
- Use mint for a cool flavor or basil for a sweeter note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen peas?
A: Yes, thaw or briefly cook them before mixing.
Q: How long does this salad last?
A: It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours before serving and chill it. Add extra herbs just before serving if you like.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes, small pasta shapes work, but adjust cooking time.
Conclusion
This salad is a quick, bright dish for spring or any warm day. For more ideas and a similar lemon-pea orzo version, see this Spring Orzo Salad with Peas and Lemon Vinaigrette – From My Bowl, and for a version with asparagus and peas try this Spring Orzo Salad with Asparagus and Peas – Delish D’Lites.
Spring Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sweet peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or basil) Chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 each lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, sweet peas, and chopped fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.