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Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This Easy Lemon Artichoke Orzo Salad is a flavorful and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Toasted orzo pasta is cooked in savory vegetable broth, then combined with tangy marinated artichoke hearts, crumbly feta, crunchy almonds, and fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, refreshing taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add herby notes, making it delicious served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. It’s a quick, satisfying salad ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Orzo and Base

  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups lower-sodium vegetable broth (substitute: chicken broth)

Add-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)

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 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

  1. Toast the Orzo: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo grains are lightly toasted and golden brown.
  2. Cook the 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 gently simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped marinated artichoke hearts, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and finely chopped parsley or basil leaves. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Serve warm, chilled, or closer to room temperature. For make-ahead convenience, reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of the oil from the jar of marinated artichokes to stir in before serving to help loosen the grains.

Notes

  • Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature making it versatile for meal prep and different occasions.
  • If making ahead, reserving and adding the marinated artichoke oil before serving helps restore moisture and flavor to the salad.
  • Substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if preferred.
  • Swap feta for shaved Parmesan and almonds for toasted pine nuts to adjust flavor and texture.
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can be used interchangeably based on preference.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/easy-lemon-artichoke-orzo-salad-recipe/