Hamdi Saidani Barefoot Contessa Orzo Cucumber Salad is indeed one of the best and easiest orzo salad recipes to prepare. This healthy greek salad is made with orzo, cucumber, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, lemon, red onion, and feta cheese.
Orzo Cucumber Salad Ingredients
- 3/4 pound orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
- 1 cup medium-diced hothouse cucumber, unpeeled and seeded
- 3/4 pound good feta cheese, large-diced
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
- 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
- 1 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 cup small-diced red onion
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Good olive oil
How To Cook Orzo For The Salad
Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a bit of salt and oil. Add the orzo to the boiling water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo and move it to a large bowl. It’s now ready to be used in your salad.
How To Cut Cucumber For Salad
First, thoroughly wash the cucumber. Then, slice it lengthwise, remove the seeds if desired, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for your salad.
How To Make Orzo Cucumber Salad
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cooked orzo. Add scallions, dill, parsley, diced cucumber, and red onion. Toss well. Gently stir in the diced feta cheese.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for an hour, or refrigerate if not serving immediately. Remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
What To Serve With Orzo Cucumber Salad
Serve this ina garten Cucumber Orzo Salad as side for Pork Wellington, Grilled Pork Steak, or Pork Medallions.
How Long Orzo Cucumber Salad Last In The Fridge
Orzo Cucumber Salad can last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. To store it correctly, make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, then place it in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Orzo Cucumber Salad
Yes, Orzo Cucumber Salad can be frozen, and t can last in the freezer for about 1-2 months. To properly freeze the salad, place it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed before sealing.
To thaw the salad, just place it in the fridge overnight and it will be first the next morning.
Other Ingredients To Add to Orzo Cucumber Salad
- Add Chickpeas: For an extra boost of protein and fiber, you can add about a cup of cooked chickpeas.
- Add Diced Tomatoes: For a burst of color and freshness, add about a cup of diced fresh tomatoes.
- Add Corn: For a sweet crunch, add about a cup of cooked corn kernels.
Orzo Cucumber Salad Calories And Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
- Calories: 408
- Total Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sodium: 534 mg
Try More Recipes:
Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber
Description
Barefoot Contessa Orzo Cucumber Salad is indeed one of the best and easiest orzo salad recipes to prepare. This healthy greek salad is made with orzo, cucumber, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, lemon, red onion, and feta cheese.
Barefoot Contessa Orzo Cucumber Salad Ingredients
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Orzo Cucumber Salad
- Cook Orzo: Boil water with salt and oil. Add orzo and simmer until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare Cucumber: Wash cucumber, cut lengthwise, remove seeds, and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cooked orzo. Add scallions, dill, parsley, diced cucumber, and red onion. Toss well. Gently stir in the diced feta cheese.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for an hour, or refrigerate if not serving immediately. Remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
