Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad with Lemon and Basil
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Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad with Lemon and Basil is the freshest summer salad that you need for your barbecue plans. Juicy watermelon, salty feta, and perfectly cooked orzo are tossed together with freshly torn basil and bright, tangy lemon juice. Everyone will ask you for this recipe, guaranteed!
Summer is in the air. Okay not quite, it’s been raining practically every day where I live but it’s getting closer! Closer to watermelon season, ice cold lemonade, fresh corn on the cob, an overload of fresh berries, and of course plenty of summer sunshine. And I couldn’t be more ready for it this year!
Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad
This week you may likely be planning the Memorial Day menu. The first on this list should be this Watermelon Orzo Feta Salad! It is probably the most refreshing salad I’ve ever had and it will be one of my go-to summer salads from now on. It has the perfect blend of summery flavors. You get the mellow sweetness from the watermelon, paired with the tart of the lemon and the tang and saltiness of the feta and you get an abundance of freshness from the generous amount of basil. If you still feel it’s too sweet, don’t be scared to sprinkle a little fresh black pepper—it’s amazing. Let’s just say I ate my fair share and I can’t wait to make it again!
Watermelon isn’t just for snacking. It may not be packed with bold flavors but it has got to be one of the most refreshing fruits, and when you pair it with the right ingredients you can create something worth remembering. (Speaking of ingredients, you might also like adding diced cucumber or finely chopped red onions to this orzo pasta salad!) When it comes to feta, I recommend using the Greek varieties (as opposed to the French feta, which is more creamy and less salty).
Perfect Summer Pasta Salad
I can’t get enough summer salads when it’s warm out. I don’t want something heavy or warm—so a salad that is served chilled or at room temperature is the best recipe to have in your back pocket all summer long.
The tip for a fantastic pasta salad is to use a very large saucepan of salted water, add your uncooked orzo at the highest point of a rolling boil, then cook to perfect al dente and chill your pasta mixture quickly once coated with your dressings.
Here are a few of my other favorite pasta salad recipes to try:
- Summery Chicken Pasta Salad
- Poppy Seed Chicken & Grape Pasta Salad
- Mexican Macaroni Salad
- Easy Pasta Salad
- Classic Macaroni Salad
Follow Easy Cooking Zone
Watermelon Feta Orzo Salad with Lemon and Basil
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
- Salt
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp honey
- 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon (dice into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes)
- 6 oz feta cheese , crumbled
- 1/4 cup (12g) chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to directions listed on package. Drain well (don't rinse!) then pour into a large bowl.
- While pasta boils, stir together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and honey. Pour half of mixture over drained pasta in bowl and toss. Season with salt taste. Allow to cool.
- Add watermelon, feta and basil to orzo, add remaining lemon juice mixture and toss to evenly coat.