Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
This Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad is a refreshing and light pasta salad bursting with bright citrus flavors, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumbers. Perfect as a side dish or a light main, this salad combines al dente orzo pasta with lemon juice, olive oil, dill, parsley, and optional feta cheese for a delicious summer 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 Base
- 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 pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Season the Orzo: Drizzle the cooked orzo with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon peel. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat and develop a citrusy flavor base for the salad. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the Persian cucumbers and add them to the orzo. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and parsley over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, tangy layer of flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the salad warm immediately for a comforting dish or cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to serve chilled and refreshing. Enjoy as a light meal or a vibrant side dish.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers or any small, thin-skinned cucumber variety for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest amounts to your preferred citrus intensity.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted to keep the salad vegetarian and lighter.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For additional crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.
Keywords: Cucumber lemon orzo salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy summer salad, lemon herb orzo, fresh cucumber salad
