Name: Cucumber Orzo Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry orzo; 1 large cucumber, seeded and sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup (4 ounces) feta cheese; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

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The perfect quick and easy summer side dish, this Cucumber Orzo Pasta Salad with lemon-herb dressing and feta takes just 20 minutes to make!

A small bowl of cucumber orzo pasta salad with red onions and feta cheese

My favorite part about summer? Cookouts. Most definitely. Truly, is there anything better than standing barefoot in the grass, beer in hand, with good good smells wafting off the grill and a table filled with side dishes? Pretty sure nothing can top that.

Side note: Kyle and I are hoping to buy a grill this summer and I can’t wait to start using it. I’m not the most accomplished griller, but please send all grilling inspo my way, for I am armed with tongs and I am ready to learn.

Just in case I end up burning everything, though, at least I’ll know I’ve got my side dishes on lock. This Cucumber Orzo Pasta Salad is 100% foolproof, so no matter what grilling disasters may occur, this baby will be there. Like, can you boil pasta and slice vegetables? Okay, then you can make this salad.

A serving bowl full of cucumber orzo pasta salad

Despite its humble ingredients list, this orzo pasta salad is actually one of my favorite things to make. Each element brings a wallop of flavor, from the bright and zesty lemon juice to the heavy shower of fresh herbs in the dressing. And let’s not forget the feta. A whole entire container of it, thank you very much.

So whether you’re grilling with friends and family or just cooking for yourself at home, you can still celebrate the season. Just whip up this quick salad and it’ll feel like a cookout any day of the week.

Cucumber Orzo Pasta Salad

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The perfect quick and easy summer side dish, this Cucumber Orzo Pasta Salad with lemon-herb dressing and feta takes just 20 minutes to make!

Author: Emily Hanka
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup dry orzo
1 large cucumber, seeded and sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup (4 ounces) feta cheese
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the orzo: Cook the orzo in boiling, salted water according to package directions. Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for about a minute, or until orzo is completely cool.
Make the salad: In a large bowl, combine the orzo, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
Make the dressing and finish the salad: In a small jar, shake together lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, dill, salt and pepper for 30 seconds or until completely emulsified. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve chilled or at room temperature.