Recipe

When you need a side that feels like summer—no matter the season—this bright, zesty orzo salad delivers. Tiny rice-shaped pasta soaked in lemon, scattered with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and clouds of salty Parmesan. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just elevating tonight’s grilled chicken.

A quick crank of the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater turns both the Parmesan and red onion into the silkiest shreds imaginable—zero tears, zero hassle, maximum flavor.

🥗Ingredients (Serves 4–6 as a side)

1 ½ cups dried orzo

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

½ small red onion

⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup fresh basil, torn or thinly sliced

½ cup finely shredded Parmesan

Zest + juice of 1 large lemon

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey (optional)

Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Optional: toasted pine nuts, chickpeas, or feta

🍋Step-by-Step: Sunshine Salad in Moments

Cook the Orzo

Cook orzo in salted water until just al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and shake dry.

Shred the Magic Duo

Lock the cheese shredder hand crank onto your counter with its suction base.

Use the fine shred blade for the red onion → crank until you have whisper-thin ribbons (no crying!).

Switch to the same blade (or extra-fine if you have the 5-blade set) and shred the Parmesan into airy snow.

Prep the Bright Stuff

Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the herbs while the orzo cools.

Whisk the Sunshine Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, honey (if using), salt, and plenty of black pepper.

Toss & Marry the Flavors

Add cooled orzo, tomatoes, shredded onion, herbs, and most of the Parmesan to the dressing. Toss gently until everything glistens. Taste and adjust—more lemon? More pepper? You’re the boss.

Finish & Serve

Pile into a serving bowl, scatter the remaining Parmesan on top, and finish with an extra crack of pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature—it only gets better as it sits.

✨Tips & Twists

Make it heartier: toss in grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken

Vegan version: swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or plant-based shreds

Picnic-ready: pack in mason jars for pretty layered lunches

Herb swap: mint or dill brings a different kind of sunshine

☀️Conclusion: Your New Go-To Summer Side

This Lemon Parmesan Orzo Salad is proof that simple ingredients can taste like pure joy. With the rotary grater, those perfect onion ribbons and fluffy Parmesan happen in seconds—every single time.