Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad makes a wonderful light lunch for the hopefully coming hot days. It is refreshing thanks to the herbs and lemon flavors. Also the mint yogurt dressing enrichens both the flavor and the refreshment.
We LOVE orzo pasta in recipes like rice with orzo and tomato orzo soup and . It is such a versatile ingredient that you can use it in many ways in cooking. So today we will be making this amazing salad that you can serve for lunch.
It is still not like a regular summer here even though we are in the middle of June. How is it in your area? If you’ve already welcomed the so much missed warmer or even hot days, you mut be in need of light dishes like this. Light, simple, tasty. Orzo pasta is combined with cucumber, corn, herbs and lemon juice and topped with an amazing dressing with yogurt and fresh mint. Refreshing enough to beat the heat.
If you love barbecue parties but don’t have an idea about what to serve as a side, this Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad is the answer you’re looking for. Besides being a wonderful vegetarian meal, this salad can go perfectly with anything.
Pair it with chicken breast, beef, pork or even with fish; you will love it! It is like the combination of two side dishes. Orzo could be served as it is just like rice, but when it is combined with a tangy green salad, this is what you will end up with.
This Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad is so tangy that you feel it in every bite. This is the first thing that makes this salad so tasty. I can’t think of orzo without that lemony flavor. To complement this flavor, I top the salad with a yogurt dressing. We do love yoghurt in salads like low fat coleslaw and creamy cucumber salad.
Greek yogurt, fresh mint and salt are mixed well in a bowl and use it on any salad you like. This refreshing salad makes anything even tastier and you will inevitably want to eat more!
The main ingredients of this Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad are herbs, cucumber and lemon. Corn is completely optional, but I love to use it to give the salad a little sweetness and balance the flavors in it.
Another thing I love about this salad is that you can make it ahead and keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Serve it in a barbecue party, take it to a picnic or a potluck party or just open the fridge and snack on it whenever you crave for something savory and tangy.
Another orzo salad recipe I’d love to try is: Whole wheat orzo and grilled vegetables salad by Kalyn’s Kitchen.
As always: If you make this recipe, let us know what you think by rating it and leaving a comment below. And post a pic on Instagram too—tag @give_recipe so we can see!
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📖 Recipe
Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 cup thinly chopped cucumber
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ cup corn
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic mashed
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh mint
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let it completely cool.
- In a arge bowl, combine the orzo with the rest of the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, water, garlic, salt and minced fresh mint. Drizzle over the salad and serve immediately.
NOTES
NUTRITION
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina says
Can I use sour cream if I don’t have yogurt? Could not find plain yogurt in the store.
Thank you
Zerrin & Yusuf says
Hi Gina,
Yes you can use sour cream.
Amanda says
Could I use something in place of the mint?
Yusuf says
Hi Amanda, you can use whatever herb you like instead of mint.
marla says
LOVE this pasta salad!
Zerrin says
Thank you Marla! Easy, healthy and great for hot summer days!