Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber

Welcome to a refreshing and delightful recipe – the Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber. This salad is a perfect blend of flavors, combining tender orzo pasta with crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

How to Make Orzo Salad

Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.

Equipment

To prepare this scrumptious salad, you will need the following equipment:

• Large pot for boiling water
• Strainer or colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter or bowl

Ingredients

For the Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients, let’s proceed with the cooking instructions:

1. Cook the orzo: In a large pot add water and salt to boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked orzo in a strainer or colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and chopped mint leaves. Now over the ingredient pout dressing and slowly mix everything to combine well.
4. Chill and let the flavors meld: To allow the flavors to meld together you should use plastic wrap to cover the salad and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Transfer it to a serving platter or bowl, and garnish with a sprinkle of additional herbs, if desired. Serve this delightful Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber and enjoy its refreshing flavors.

Recipe Tips

• You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a complete meal.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil according to your taste preferences.
• For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.

Recipe Variations for Orzo Salad

1. Mediterranean Orzo Salad: Add some chopped roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and crumbled goat cheese. You can also toss in some toasted pine nuts or almonds for added texture.
2. Greek Orzo Salad: Include diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress it with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Caprese Orzo Salad: Use halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and torn basil leaves. Dress it with a balsamic glaze or a simple mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience with the Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber:

1. Pair it with grilled chicken: Serve this salad alongside juicy grilled chicken breasts or skewers for a complete and well-balanced meal.
2. Add roasted vegetables: Roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini can be a wonderful addition to this salad, adding depth and sweetness to the dish.
3. Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Conclusion

Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber is a refreshing and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. With its zesty lemon dressing, this salad is a perfect choice for warm-weather gatherings or a quick and healthy meal. Try this recipe and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more.

FAQs

Can I substitute the orzo with a different type of pasta?

While orzo pasta works best in this recipe, you can experiment with other small-shaped pasta like couscous or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.

How can I make this salad more filling?

If you’d like to make this salad more substantial, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or roasted chicken.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Fresh herbs lend a vibrant and aromatic flavor to this salad. However, if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs. Just remember to reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more potent.

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