Description
This refreshing Orzo & Feta Salad with Cucumber and Dill Dressing is cool, creamy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Tender orzo pasta is tossed with crisp cucumber, tangy feta, red onion, and a velvety Greek yogurt dressing laced with lemon, dill, and garlic. It’s the perfect make-ahead side or light main for picnics, lunches, or warm summer nights.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
- For the Cucumber Dill Dressing:
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp grated cucumber
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the orzo in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl: cooled orzo, diced cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, dill, and parsley.
Toss with dressing gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
For best flavor, grate cucumber finely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the dressing.
You can make this salad up to a day in advance—just reserve some dressing to stir in before serving.
For a protein boost, serve with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.
Add cherry tomatoes or kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair.
Use vegan feta and plant-based yogurt to make it dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg