Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
This Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring perfectly cooked orzo pasta tossed with fresh Persian cucumbers, fragrant herbs, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. Optional crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast. Ideal served warm or chilled, this salad is a perfect light lunch or an elegant side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Orzo Pasta
- 8 oz orzo pasta
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup olive oil (Colavita extra virgin recommended)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon peel (grated from about 1 medium lemon)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Fresh Ingredients
- 5–6 Persian cucumbers, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for a salty tang)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Begin by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Season the Orzo: Drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest over the cooked orzo pasta. Toss well to combine the flavors, creating a fresh citrusy base for the salad. Set aside while preparing the vegetables and herbs.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the Persian cucumbers and add them to the orzo. Sprinkle with chopped dill and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the salad warm immediately for a comforting dish, or cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to chill. This salad makes an excellent standalone meal or a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- Using Persian cucumbers ensures a tender texture and minimal bitterness compared to regular cucumbers.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest contribute a bright, vibrant flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice for optimum taste.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a lovely salty and creamy balance to the fresh ingredients.
- The salad can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for different meal settings.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
Keywords: cucumber lemon orzo salad, Mediterranean salad, summer salad, orzo pasta salad, lemon orzo salad, vegetarian salad, fresh herb salad
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/best-cucumber-lemon-orzo-salad-recipe/
