Name: Red Onion Mint Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
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 pepper ((to taste))

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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.

Slices of Roasted Leg of Lamb with Greek Orzo, Creamy Endive Salad and Sauteed Corn sides on plate.

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.
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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!

Red onion, fresh mint, lemon, and orzo on white marble.

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.

Greek Roasted Chicken Thighs on plate with orzo side and green leafy 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, onion, lemon juice and zest, mint, salt, and pepper. Toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Orzo pasta salad with red onion and mint in serving bowl.

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.

More Orzo Recipes to Try

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