Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
When going to a cookout, barbecue, potluck, or other gathering, pasta salad is a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit. While I have several delicious pasta salad recipes here at When Is Dinner that I hope you’ll try, Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is a unique, interesting, and yummy twist on Pasta Salad. My kids LOVE orzo 🙂
Don’t miss these other Pasta Salad favorites too:
- Asian Pasta Salad
- Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Simple Pasta Salad
- Tomato Cucumber Greek Pasta Salad
Cook orzo according to package directions.
Meanwhile, begin to make the sauce/dressing.
In a blender or food processor, combine basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
Blend until smooth.
When orzo is done, drain. (Do not rinse)
Put back in the pot or in a serving dish and pour basil mixture on top immediately while orzo is hot.
Toss to coat.
Serve warm or cold.
Optional – add grated parmesan to the pasta while warm or sprinkle with grated parmesan
Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Ingredients
- 1 lb orzo pasta
- Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1 fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Optional – grated parmesan
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 315Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 356mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 10g

These are a few items I find helpful when preparing this Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe in my own kitchen:
Hamilton Beach (70730) Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper with Bowl Scraper, 10 Cup, ElectricOXO Good Grips Zester and Grater
Euro Ceramica Zanzibar Collection Vibrant 8.4
Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners: 5-Ingredient Recipes and Essential Techniques to Get You Started in the Kitchen
Gotta Have It Quick & Easy To Make 37 Tempting Orzo Salad Recipes!
Easy Pasta Salad Cookbook: 50 Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes
Julia Magarey
Thursday 28th of October 2021
How much basil do you use?
Karen
Thursday 28th of October 2021
1 cup fresh basil, enjoy!