Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad Recipe
A bright and flavorful Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad featuring tender orzo pasta toasted in butter and garlic, then simmered in vegetable broth and tossed with marinated artichokes, tangy feta, crunchy almonds, fresh lemon, and herbs. Perfect served warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this versatile dish works as a vibrant side or a light main meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Orzo Base
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth (substitute chicken broth if preferred)
Salad Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts, roughly chopped (from a jar)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (substitute shaved Parmesan)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (substitute toasted pine nuts)
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper
- 2-3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley or basil leaves
Instructions
- Toast Orzo: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo grains are lightly toasted and golden in color.
- Simmer Orzo: Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and finely chopped parsley or basil. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Serve or Store: The salad can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. If making ahead, reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil from the jar of marinated artichokes and stir it in right before serving to help loosen the orzo and add flavor.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this salad on its own or pair it with mild white fish such as halibut or grouper, sautéed shrimp or scallops, roasted chicken, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Storage: Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It may dry out slightly, so stir in extra olive oil or some of the oil from the marinated artichokes before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/easy-lemon-artichoke-orzo-salad-recipe/
