This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our privacy policy.

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.

Tweet This

Ingredients

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

  1. Cook the orzo.
  2. 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.

What to Serve With Red Onion Mint Orzo

Herbed Boneless Leg of Lamb with Mustard Crust

Crispy-Skinned Salmon with Dill Sauce

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade

Red Onion Mint Orzo in serving bowl with spoon on white-washed wood table.

More Orzo Recipes to Try

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest.

Pin This

Red Onion Mint Orzo

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
Servings: 8 People
One of those simply perfect sides that goes with everything.

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)

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.

Notes

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.
  •  
  •  
  •  

Nutrition

Calories: 347kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 209mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 119IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Rate & Comment

Recipe Rating