Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe

If you’re craving a bright and delightful dish that bursts with fresh flavors, you absolutely need to try this Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe. It perfectly balances the tangy zing of lemon, the cool crunch of cucumber, and the salty creaminess of feta, all wrapped up in tender orzo pasta. This salad is not only a breeze to prepare but also a versatile crowd-pleaser for summer barbecues, quick lunches, or light dinners. Plus, it’s vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a happy mealtime choice for many.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this salad’s incredible fresh flavor and texture. Each component adds its own unique note—whether it’s the bright citrus, the creamy cheese, or the fragrant fresh herbs.

• Orzo pasta (1 1/2 cups dry): This tiny pasta cooks quickly and mimics the texture of rice, soaking up all the zesty flavors beautifully.
• Extra-virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp): Just enough to lightly coat the pasta, enhancing richness without overpowering the lemony freshness.
• Medium lemon (juiced and zested): The star of the dish, giving the salad a crisp, tangy brightness you’ll love.
• English cucumber (1 large, seeded and chopped): Adds a juicy crunch and refreshing coolness for balance.
• Fresh mint (1 Tbsp, finely chopped): Lends an aromatic, cool herbal note that pairs perfectly with lemon.
• Fresh parsley (1 Tbsp, finely chopped): Offers a mild peppery and slightly citrusy hint to brighten the salad.
• Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Adds a salty, creamy bite that contrasts deliciously with the fresh veggies and lemon.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing all the wonderful flavors.

How to Make Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Orzo Perfectly

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously—this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Add the dry orzo and cook it al dente according to the package directions, about 9 minutes. Al dente ensures the pasta will hold its shape and provide a lovely bite in your salad.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, chop the seeded English cucumber into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the fresh mint and parsley. This prep work not only saves time but also keeps everything fresh and crisp for that perfect salad crunch.

Step 3: Drain and Cool the Pasta

Once the orzo is ready, drain it well in a colander. Let it cool for a couple of minutes so it’s warm but not hot. Tossing warm pasta with olive oil and lemon juice helps the flavors soak in without wilting the herbs or melting the feta.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently to coat everything evenly. Stir in the lemon zest, chopped cucumber, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle toss to blend all the vibrant, fresh flavors.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad until it’s nicely chilled before serving. This allows the lemon and herbs to infuse the orzo beautifully, creating a refreshing and harmonious flavor profile that shines through every bite.

How to Serve Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a few extra crumbles of feta and a few whole mint leaves or parsley sprigs on top just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of lemon zest over the finished salad also adds a lovely fresh touch that wows guests.

Side Dishes

This charming pasta salad pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic alongside sandwiches or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread featuring olives, hummus, and warm pita bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad chilled in pretty individual glass bowls or on large colorful platters to brighten up your table. For a party, stuff the salad into hollowed-out tomatoes or mini bell peppers for a whimsical bite-sized appetizer. The possibilities are as fresh as this salad itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep its fresh flavors for up to 3 days, although the cucumbers may soften slightly over time.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can affect the texture of the cucumber and feta. To keep your salad at its best, avoid freezing and instead plan to finish it within a few days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if you prefer it less chilled.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo’s small shape works best to evenly distribute all those fresh ingredients, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free orzo pasta, which is widely available these days, so you can enjoy the Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe without any worry.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

To make this vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative like vegan feta or tofu crumbles seasoned with a touch of salt for that creamy, salty element.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?

Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, or even a handful of kalamata olives can add exciting flavors and colors while staying true to the Mediterranean feel of this salad.

What’s the best way to keep the cucumber crunchy?

Remove the seeds before chopping the cucumber as they contain most of the water that can make the salad soggy. Also, mix the cucumber in just before serving if you want to keep the crunch ultra-fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so irresistibly fresh, bright, and satisfying about the Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate, bringing joy to any table it graces. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a quick, vibrant meal, this salad will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to again and again. Go ahead, make it your own and savor every lemony bite!

Print