Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
A refreshing and tangy cucumber lemon orzo salad featuring tender orzo pasta tossed with fresh Persian cucumbers, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This versatile salad can be served warm or chilled, making it a perfect light meal or a vibrant side dish.
- 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 and Dressing
- 8 ounces dried orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Fresh Ingredients
- 5–6 Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Feta cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes as per package instructions. Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Season the Orzo: Drizzle olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest over the cooked orzo. Toss thoroughly to combine and create a citrusy flavor base for the salad. Set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the Persian cucumbers and add them to the orzo. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill and parsley on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing gently to distribute the flavors evenly. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese to enhance the salad with a creamy and tangy element.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the orzo salad warm immediately for a comforting dish or cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to enjoy it chilled and refreshing. Ideal as a standalone light meal or as a side dish to complement various mains.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for a crunchy texture and mild flavor; regular cucumbers can be substituted if needed.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest quantities according to taste preference for acidity.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy texture and tanginess.
- Can be served warm or chilled depending on preference.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: orzo salad, cucumber salad, lemon orzo, Mediterranean salad, vegetarian pasta salad, fresh herbs orzo
Find it online: https://annakocht.com/best-cucumber-lemon-orzo-salad-recipe/
