by Kaci: Thesouthernrd

Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad

Name: Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half; 1 small to medium cucumber, peeled and diced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 cup feta cheese; 1 avocado, diced; 2 tbsp. Fresh Basil, chopped; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar; 1-2 tbsp. lemon zest; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp. maple syrup or honey

6 cups

15 min

I don’t know if it’s the spring weather or just pregnancy cravings, but I have been obsessed with everything lemon lately! The funny thing is that I never cared for lemon pre-pregnancy, but I can’t get enough of it right now. It is just so refreshing to me!

This past weekend, I whipped up a lemon vinaigrette to pour over a pasta salad and fell in love. The tangy dressing was perfect tossed with the fresh vegetables, pasta and feta cheese.

This springtime, lemon pasta salad would make the perfect side dish for any weekend brunch, summer picnic, cookout, or lunch. Just add grilled chicken and you have a complete and easy meal.

Orzo pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, spring onions, avocados, feta cheese, basil and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette.

Fresh springtime vegetables and avocado bring out a ton of flavor and nutrients in this pasta salad.

The lemon vinaigrette is a perfect tangy, light and refreshing dressing for any pasta salad, vegetable salad or fish dish.

Chopped basil adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the tangy feta cheese and lemon vinaigrette.

This pasta salad is perfect for any occasion, but makes a beautiful side dish for a special springtime lunch.