Best Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant cucumber lemon orzo salad featuring al dente orzo pasta tossed with fresh Persian cucumbers, fragrant dill, parsley, and a zesty lemon olive oil dressing. This versatile salad can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for a light lunch or a delightful 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
Pasta 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 fresh parsley
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Feta cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Season the Orzo: Drizzle the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated lemon zest over the cooked orzo. Toss well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the citrusy dressing. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the Persian cucumbers and add them on top of the orzo. Sprinkle with chopped dill and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, add crumbled feta cheese to enhance the flavor with a creamy and tangy element.
- Finish and Serve: Serve the salad warm immediately for a comforting dish, or cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to enjoy it chilled. This salad works wonderfully as a standalone meal or a side dish to complement various main courses.
Notes
- Using Persian cucumbers adds a mild, crisp flavor with fewer seeds compared to regular cucumbers.
- The salad can be made ahead and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil based on your taste preference for acidity and richness.
- Garnishing with extra fresh herbs just before serving can boost freshness and aroma.
Keywords: cucumber lemon orzo salad, orzo salad, lemon pasta salad, fresh cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad, light pasta salad
