Red Onion Mint Orzo
on Mar 13, 2018, Updated Jun 17, 2025
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One of those simply perfect sides that goes with everything.
This side dish is one of those super simple sides that is bright and flavorful and goes with just about everything. You can serve it warm or cool, as a pasta salad side. It’s great served alongside anything from Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Leg of Lamb with Tzatziki to Air Fryer Shrimp to Baked Haddock. We loved it paired with Greek Roasted Chicken Breasts. And it has only 4 ingredients, and you can prep everything in the time it takes to cook the orzo!
This pasta dish makes a great potluck offering, too (and it’s vegan!). And because it’s so portable, this is a dish to remember next time you pack a picnic.
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This Red Onion Mint Orzo is a simple side that is bright, versatile, flavorful, and goes with most everything. Make ahead or serve at room temperature.
Ingredients
- Orzo
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Red onion
- Lemon – You’ll need the juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons.
- Fresh mint – Don’t use dried for this salad!
Variations and Substitutions
- Change up the mint for another fresh herb, like oregano, basil, or thyme. Adjust the amount of the herb to your taste.
- Use another small pasta shape in place of the orzo.
- Try scallions instead of the red onion.
- Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Lime can also be used in place of the lemon.
- You could also add cubes of cooked chicken, pork, or shrimp. Or hunks of flaked cooked salmon would make this into a terrific salad.
How to Make Red Onion Mint Orzo
- Cook the orzo.
- Combine the ingredients and serve: Place the orzo in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, lemon juice and zest, mint, salt, and pepper. Toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
This can be made up to a day ahead of time and served at room temperature. If you want to serve it warm, you can make the orzo ahead, then warm it in the microwave and add the other ingredients. If possible, add the mint right before tossing and serving, but don’t worry about it if you are just storing leftovers for another meal.
Cooking Tips
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Salting eggplant is one of those classic kitchen techniques that might seem like an extra step, but it’s incredibly useful…
More Orzo Recipes to Try
- Orange and Herb Orzo
- Very Cheesy Orzo Casserole
- Tomato, Orzo and Dill Soup
- One Skillet Chicken with Cheesy Orzo and Baby Kale
- Spinach Orzo Salad
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Red Onion Mint Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced red onion
- Juice and finely grated zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions and drain.
- Place the orzo in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, onion, lemon juice and zest, mint, and salt and pepper. Toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature.
