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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian Recipes

    Lemon Orzo Salad with Corn and Basil

    Published: Jul 4, 2022 · Modified: Oct 9, 2022 by Samantha Ferraro · This post may contain affiliate links · 73 Comments

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    This light lemon orzo salad comes together in a breeze! Cooked orzo is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil. Easy, quick, light and fresh is what I look for in the perfect pasta salad.

    This easy lemon orzo salad comes together quickly! Orzo is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil.

    Easy Lemon Orzo Salad

    Today, I am whipping up an easy and light lemon orzo salad with grilled corn, fresh basil and creamy feta. This simple pasta salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken shawarma skewers or tossed with a few spoonfuls of basil almond pesto.

    This recipe comes together in a breeze. Orzo cooks incredibly fast and once that’s done, all you have to do is mix everything together and done, you have a light and fresh orzo pasta salad to enjoy all summer long!

    And what ties the orzo salad together is the quick lemon vinaigrette. At the bottom of your mixing bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and then toss everything else in.

    This easy lemon orzo salad comes together quickly! Orzo is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil.

    Ingredients

    • Olive Oil: Because this is a main part in the dressing, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. I am loving this Organic Argentinian olive oil.
    • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal.
    • Cooked Orzo: Found in the pasta aisle of grocery stores. or any other small shaped pasta.
    • Grilled Corn: If you don’t have whole ears of corn to grill, you can use 1 cup of frozen corn kernels and saute in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until caramelized.
    • Fresh Basil: And a good amount of it, roughly torn or sliced into thin ribbons.
    • Feta Cheese: Buy a whole block of feta in the brine if you can and crumble the feta yourself. Blocks of feta are much creamier than the pre crumbled options.

    How to Make this Easy Orzo Salad

    1. Grill ears of corn until charred on all sides. Use a sharp knife to cut kernels off and set aside.
    2. In a large mixing bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
    3. Add cooked orzo, grilled corn kernels, a handful of shredded fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese and stir everything to combine so the dressing coats everything.
    4. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

    Some Tips and Substitutions

    • If you don’t’ have whole ears of corn, you can substitute frozen corn kernels.Defrost corn kernels (I like to run it under warm water) and dry well. Then add corn to a skillet with olive oil and saute until caramelized.
    • Instead of crumbled feta cheese, creamy goat cheese would be delicious as well as small mozzarella balls.
    • This lemon orzo salad stores very well and can be made ahead up to 2 days in advance. If making ahead, add basil right before serving.
    • Other mix-in options: chopped castelveltrano olives, sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini.

    Recipes to Serve Alongside

    • Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
    • Grilled Tomahawk Steak
    • Spatchock Chicken with Lemon and Butter
    • Cedar Plank Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
    This easy lemon orzo salad comes together quickly! Orzo is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil.

    More great salads:

    Lemony Couscous Salad with Chickpeas and Asparagus

    Chopped Antipasto Salad

    Israeli Chopped Salad

    Easy lemon orzo salad is tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, grilled corn, creamy feta and lots of fresh basil.

    Lemon Orzo Salad with Corn and Basil

    Samantha Ferraro
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Mediterranean
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 403 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 ounce dry orzo
    • 2 ears of corn about 1 cup of kernels
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon about 1/4 cup
    • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
    • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
    • 6 ounce crumbled feta
    • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves roughly torn or shredded

    Instructions
     

    • Cook orzo according to package directions and run under cold water once cooked. Set aside.
    • Grill ears of corn until charred on all sides. Use a sharp knife to cut kernels off and set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
    • Add cooked orzo, grilled corn kernels, a handful of shredded fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese and stir everything to combine so the dressing coats everything.
    • Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

    Video

    Notes

    • If you don’t’ have whole ears of corn, you can substitute frozen corn kernels.Defrost corn kernels (I like to run it under warm water) and dry well. Then add corn to a skillet with olive oil and saute until caramelized.
    • Instead of crumbled feta cheese, creamy goat cheese would be delicious as well as small mozzarella balls.
    • This lemon orzo salad stores very well and can be made ahead up to 2 days in advance. If making ahead, add basil right before serving.
    • Other mix-in options: chopped castelveltrano olives, sun dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 621mgPotassium: 209mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 599IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 164mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword lemon orzo salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know on Instagram!

    This post was originally an older grilled corn recipe that was published in July, 2012 and updated in July, 2022. The updates were a refreshed recipe, nutritional info, helpful tips and updated photos.

    More Vegetarian Recipes

    • Greek Rice Pilaf with Orzo
    • Turkish Red Lentil Soup with Mint and Lemon (Mercimek Çorbasi)
    • Greek Fries with Feta and Tzatziki
    • Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (with Pita Chips)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz says

      July 15, 2012 at 4:23 am

      Corn salads are one of my favorite treats of the summer! I love that you charred your corn…I’m definitely going to try that soonr. Love your addition to today’s #SundaySupper!!!

      Reply
    2. Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says

      July 15, 2012 at 4:32 am

      It’s the feta that is making my mouth water! Thank you for participating in this week’s #SundaySupper!

      Reply
    3. sunithi says

      July 15, 2012 at 5:01 am

      Love corn & Feta so this will go on my ‘To Make ” salad list ! Pics looks gorgeous Sam !! I feel like making it now, but sadly am on detox today. When I finish 🙂 will make it. thanks for sharing !

      Reply
    4. Family Foodie says

      July 15, 2012 at 5:06 am

      I love corn and I love Feta…. this recipe is now on my “Must make” list! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe during #SundaySupper !

      Reply
    5. Renee says

      July 15, 2012 at 5:22 am

      Grilled corn is the best! I like it being used in a salad. Add cheese and onion and I am in heaven.

      Reply
    6. Patti says

      July 15, 2012 at 6:35 am

      You can’t beat grilled Jersey corn! Love the addition of the feta Samantha!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:31 am

        Thanks Patti….I totally agree! It was so sweet and on sale!

        Reply
    7. Cheri @ The Watering Mouth says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:33 am

      ANY salad with corn and feta….well, I could just eat them both plain, let’s put it that way! Thank you so much for sharing!

      xoxo,
      Cheri

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:30 am

        Thanks Cheri! I agree…great flavors!

        Reply
    8. Baker Street says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:39 am

      LOVE feta! So perfectly paired with corn. This salad needs to be in my tummy for lunch!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:28 am

        Haha…I have leftovers…so lunch for me as well!

        Reply
    9. diabeticFoodie says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:43 am

      I’m not sure I’ve ever had fresh corn with feta, but it sounds amazing! Time to fire up the grill.

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:28 am

        Yess you must try it!! Happy SundaySupper!

        Reply
    10. Nicole says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:43 am

      Samantha, this salad is so pretty. It sounds just lovely and would be perfect for beating the heat! Your photographs are stunning!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:26 am

        Thank you so much Nicole…that means a lot, really 🙂 This salad was so easy and you’re right..perfect for our theme 🙂

        Reply
    11. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:09 am

      Love that you grill the corn first! I bet it really enhances the flavors. Well done!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:25 am

        Thanks girl 😉

        Reply
    12. Laura @ Family Spice says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:20 am

      Oh I’m sure your corn was extra sweet from the grillin’ – just beautiful!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:25 am

        Yes!! Grilled Summer corn is oh sooo sweet :))

        Reply
    13. Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:29 am

      What a pretty salad!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:23 am

        Thank you so much, Dorothy!

        Reply
    14. Amy Kim says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:32 am

      So simple! And I love the addition of feta cheese. I bet cojita could work too!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:22 am

        ooohhh thats a great idea!! cojita..yummm

        Reply
    15. mommasmeals says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:36 am

      This looks like an awesome summer dish! All my favorite things in a bowl, I can’t wait to try it!!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:22 am

        Please do..and so easy :))

        Reply
    16. Cindys Recipes says

      July 15, 2012 at 8:40 am

      Corn and feta sound great together!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 9:22 am

        Thank you so much!! Happy #SundaySupper

        Reply
    17. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

      July 15, 2012 at 9:55 am

      Humidity is the worse. Grilled veggies, especially corn, and feta cheese… I couldn´t ask for a better summer salad!

      Reply
    18. Soni says

      July 15, 2012 at 10:26 am

      Love the simple yet delicious flavors and textures in your salad!Screams summer 🙂

      Reply
    19. Elizabeth @Mango_Queen says

      July 15, 2012 at 11:12 am

      I love this recipe for char-grilled corn salad. Def making this! Thanks for sharing Sunday Supper !

      Reply
    20. Heather @girlichef says

      July 15, 2012 at 12:46 pm

      Gorgeous salad – I love the deep,earthy flavor that charring veggies brings out. Want a bowl!

      Reply
    21. Elisabeth says

      July 15, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      This looks delicious!

      Reply
    22. Karen Hartzell says

      July 15, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      Love, love, love feta! I am totally trying this salad!!!

      Maybe even tonight since I am making some corn on the cob! I have feta in the fridge. 🙂

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 15, 2012 at 3:36 pm

        Oh please try it! Thats exactly why I made it..because I had the same things around 🙂

        Reply
    23. Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) says

      July 15, 2012 at 3:46 pm

      I’ve been staring at this all day! I love grilled corn… in fact I grilled some this afternoon after seeing this recipe!

      Thanks for sharing!

      Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com

      Reply
    24. Jennie @themessybakerblog says

      July 15, 2012 at 4:11 pm

      Sam, this salad looks amazing! My hair has been a frizz ball since the end of May. It’s not pretty.

      Reply
    25. Anita at Hungry Couple says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      This salad looks so fantastic. I love each and every ingredient!

      Reply
    26. Kim Bee says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:46 pm

      Sam this is really gorgeous. I bet it tastes out of this world. I adore corn and can’t get enough of it during the season.

      Reply
    27. Crystal @MakeDinnerEasy says

      July 15, 2012 at 7:56 pm

      There’s nothing like the taste of grilled veggies, great recipe!

      Reply
    28. foodporn.net says

      July 16, 2012 at 2:35 am

      Based on your delicious char grilled corn salad photos, we’d like to invite you to submit your food photos on a Food Photography site so our readers can enjoy your creations.
      It is absolutely free and fun to make others hungry!

      Reply
    29. Hezzi-D says

      July 16, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      SO pretty! I love the addition of the feta cheese. I need to try this one out this week.

      Reply
    30. Renee says

      July 16, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      Love the colors in that salad! That looks like an amazing lunch!

      Reply
    31. Tora Estep says

      July 17, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      I love grilled corn. This sounds like a delicious salad.

      Reply
    32. whaleshark says

      July 17, 2012 at 11:55 pm

      I love corn especially grilled and boiled. I did not try making salad with corn ingredients, I will try this one. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
    33. Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says

      July 18, 2012 at 6:30 pm

      I am posting a dish I make with corn and feta tomorrow. I love that combo. I don’t add the other veggies, though. Sounds good this way!

      Reply
      • Samantha says

        July 19, 2012 at 7:54 am

        Can’t wait to check it out!

        Reply
    34. DB-The Foodie Stuntman says

      July 22, 2012 at 12:20 pm

      Great dish for warm weather!

      Reply

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