Go Back

Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta

This fresh lemon orzo pasta salad is a flavorful mix of orzo pasta, lemon, cucumber, salty feta, and fresh herbs. Easy and delicious, this quick pasta salad recipe is a crowd-pleasing side dish and a classic Summer favorite. Vegetarian and gluten free friendly.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/2 cups dry orzo pasta ¹
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, or just enough to lightly coat the pasta
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 large English cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled ²
  • kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt, and cook the orzo al dente according to package directions (about 9 minutes).
  2. Meanwhile, prep the cucumbers and herbs. Set aside.
  3. Drain the pasta, let cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a large mixing bowl and toss with the olive oil and lemon juice. Stir in the lemon zest, chopped cucumber, herbs, and feta.
  4. Season generously with salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!!

Notes

  • For the perfect texture, cook the orzo until al dente, which should be slightly firm to the bite; this prevents it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • To enhance the flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving; this helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
  • If you want a little more crunch, consider adding bell peppers or radishes alongside the cucumber for added texture and color.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
  • For a creamy twist, try substituting crumbled feta with a dollop of Greek yogurt to add richness without overwhelming the dish.