Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe is a light and refreshing Mediterranean-style salad, which uses orzo pasta and fresh cucumber. It’s a straightforward recipe perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe Ingredients

• 1½ cups orzo pasta
• 1 English cucumber, diced (peeled if preferred)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or parsley/mint)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, olives, or red onion slices

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe

1. Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Mix the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss orzo, cucumber, scallions, and dill with the dressing until coated.
4. Add feta: Gently fold in feta cheese, adjusting seasoning as needed. Chill at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve cold: Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra dill or lemon zest.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours as flavors meld together.
• What other herbs can I use? Fresh parsley, basil, or mint work well as alternatives to dill.
• Can I make it dairy-free? Omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• How do I keep orzo from sticking? Rinse with cold water after draining and toss with a little olive oil.
• Can I add protein to make it a main dish? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.

What To Serve With Orzo Salad

This refreshing orzo salad pairs well with Mediterranean and grilled dishes like:

• Lemon herb grilled chicken
• Baked salmon or shrimp skewers
• Roasted vegetables or hummus platters
• Pita bread and tzatziki sauce

How To Store Orzo Salad

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as dressing may settle.

Freeze: Not recommended, as cucumbers lose texture when thawed.

Orzo Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~240 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini work well.

How do I keep cucumbers crisp in salad?
Use English cucumbers and add them just before serving for best texture.

Can I serve this warm instead of cold?
Yes, serve it slightly warm for a different texture and flavor profile.

What’s the best feta for this salad?
A block of Greek feta in brine offers the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recip
• Ina Garten Greek Orzo Salad Recipe