Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad combines al dente orzo pasta with crisp Persian cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Lightly tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, then garnished with dill, parsley, and optional feta cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of bright citrus flavors and fresh herbal notes. Serve warm for comforting simplicity or chilled for a cool, vibrant side dish perfect for any season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 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 Vegetables and Herbs
- 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 it according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Season the Orzo: Drizzle the cooked orzo with extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon peel. Toss gently to combine and infuse the pasta with fresh citrus flavors. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the Persian cucumbers and add them to the bowl with the orzo. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill and parsley over the top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the fresh herbs and seasoning. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Finish and Serve: You can enjoy the salad immediately while still slightly warm for a comforting dish, or cover and refrigerate it for about 1 hour to serve chilled. This makes a refreshing side or light main dish ideal for any meal.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for their crisp texture and thin skin which doesn’t require peeling.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your preference for more or less citrus brightness.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture and salty flavor that complements the salad well.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese.
Keywords: orzo salad, cucumber lemon salad, Mediterranean salad, easy summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/best-cucumber-lemon-orzo-salad-recipe/
