A colorful, fresh, and satisfying salad made with tender orzo, caramelized roasted vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, meal prep recipe, or summer gathering favorite!

 Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Orzo Salad

• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional
• ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives, optional

For the Lemon Dressing

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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 Instructions

1. Roast the vegetables

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place the zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Toss well and spread into an even layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

2. Cook the orzo

While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the orzo according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic
• Honey
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper

Mix until well combined.

4. Assemble the salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo and roasted vegetables.

Add the parsley, basil, and olives if using. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add the feta

Fold in most of the crumbled feta cheese, then sprinkle the remaining feta over the top.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

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 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: About 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 350–400 per serving

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Nut Information

Is this recipe nut-free?

Yes. This recipe contains no nuts or peanuts as written.

Important allergy note

Always check the labels on your:

• Orzo pasta
• Feta cheese
• Packaged seasonings
• Honey
• Olives

Some products may be processed in facilities that also handle tree nuts, peanuts, gluten, milk, or other allergens.

Optional nut additions

If there are no nut allergies, you can add:

• Toasted pine nuts
• Chopped walnuts
• Sliced almonds

Add about ¼ cup for extra crunch and flavor.

Nut-free crunch ideas

For a crunchy nut-free option, try:

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Crispy chickpeas

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 Q&A

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! It is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q: Can I serve it cold?

A: Absolutely. This salad tastes delicious chilled or at room temperature.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?

A: Yes! Try eggplant, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

A: Yes. Replace regular orzo with certified gluten-free orzo or another gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes. Simply omit the feta or use your favorite dairy-free feta alternative.

Q: What protein can I add?

A: Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, chickpeas, or white beans all work beautifully.

Q: How do I keep the orzo from becoming dry?

A: Reserve a little extra dressing and toss it into the salad just before serving.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?

A: Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest will give the salad a brighter, fresher flavor.

 Serving Tip

Serve this Roasted Vegetable & Orzo Salad with Feta alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp, or enjoy it on its own for a fresh and flavorful vegetarian meal!