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Gluten-Free Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs

Name: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups gluten-free orzo pasta (such as one made from rice or corn); 3 cups boiling water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 large lemon; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

By Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 26, 2026 | Updated Jul 7, 2026

Mediterranean-inspired 25 mins glutenfreedairyfreekidfriendlyeasymealprepfamilyfriendlysidedishsummer

Gluten-Free Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs with measured ingredients, 25-minute timing, 6-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for gluten-free meals, baking, snacks, and desserts.

Prep 15 min

Cook 10 min

Total 25 min

Servings 6

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients

Servings 6

1 1/2 cups gluten-free orzo pasta (such as one made from rice or corn)
3 cups boiling water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FreeFlourish Gluten-Free Family-Friendly Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs ingredients

Instructions

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Add gluten-free orzo pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until tender but still firm to the bite.
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon-herb dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, mint, and dill to the cooled pasta.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or a light main course ideal for family meals, lunch, or dinner.