Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Cucumbers & Cherry Tomatoes

Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Cucumbers & Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious, light, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to picnics or as a lovely side dish for your favorite protein. With fresh flavors and a tangy dressing, this salad is a great way to include more vegetables and grains in your diet while keeping everything simple and satisfying. This dish is not only easy to make but also visually appealing, boasting vibrant colors and wholesome ingredients. Here’s how to create this delightful orzo salad that everyone will love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Orzo Salad is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, the light lemon vinaigrette brightens the flavors, making it incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers adds a delightful texture that balances well with the creamy feta cheese and tender orzo. It’s also a versatile dish—variations can easily be made based on your preferences or what you have on hand, allowing for endless enjoyment. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, helping you stay energized!

Pro Tips for Making Orzo Salad

To take your Orzo Salad to the next level, consider the following tips:

• **Cook the Orzo Perfectly**: Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times. Overcooking can make your orzo mushy, while undercooking can leave it too firm.
• **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh veggies elevate the salad’s taste. Whenever possible, opt for locally sourced cucumbers and tomatoes.
• **Chill Before Serving**: Allowing the salad to chill for 15-20 minutes after mixing the ingredients helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• **Adjust the Dressing**: Feel free to modify the proportions of olive oil and lemon juice in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
• **Add Protein**: To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this refreshing Orzo Salad are simple, yet each one brings a unique flavor and texture.

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Start by cooking the orzo. In a medium pot, bring salted water to boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically around 8 minutes, until al dente.

Step 2: Once the orzo is cooked, drain it using a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool down the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.

Step 3: While the orzo is cooling, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 6: It’s best to chill the salad for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the vinaigrette right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can replace it with crumbled goat cheese or leave it out altogether for a vegan version.

What other ingredients can I add to this salad?

Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or avocado. Grilled chicken or shrimp can also be great additions for added protein.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo pasta is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or other gluten-free grains.

Can I use a different type of vinaigrette?

Yes! You can use any dressing you prefer, but a light vinaigrette works best to complement the fresh ingredients in this salad.

Conclusion

This Orzo Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Cucumbers & Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful, healthy dish that everyone will enjoy. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make for a perfect summer side or light meal. So whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or enjoying it at home, this salad is sure to be a hit. Feel free to experiment with ingredients, and you’ll find this recipe is both delicious and adaptable to your personal tastes!