Lemon-Dill Orzo Pasta Salad with Cucumbers, Olives & Feta

A refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad combining tender orzo pasta with crisp cucumbers, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing. Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.

25 min total Base: 4 servings 800 cal total

Submitted by Mystery Chef AI

Ingredients

Adjust Servings4 servings

1Base: 4 servings32

Fixed ingredients: Orzo pasta, Cucumber, Kalamata olives, Feta cheese, Fresh dill, Lemon juice, Olive oil, Dijon mustard, Shallot, Salt, Black pepper — quantities stay the same regardless of serving count.

Orzo pasta

1 cup(fixed)

Cucumber

1 medium(fixed)

Kalamata olives

0.5 cup(fixed)

Feta cheese

0.5 cup(fixed)

Fresh dill

2 tablespoons(fixed)

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons(fixed)

Olive oil

3 tablespoons(fixed)

Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon(fixed)

Shallot

1 medium(fixed)

Salt

1 teaspoon(fixed)

Black pepper

0.5 teaspoon(fixed)

Instructions

1. **Cook the Orzo:** - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. - Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. **Prepare the Lemon-Dill Dressing:** - In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated shallot, salt, and black pepper. - Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. - Stir in the fresh dill until well combined.

3. **Combine Pasta and Dressing:** - Pour the lemon-dill dressing over the warm orzo. - Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. - Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

4. **Add Vegetables and Cheese:** - Once the orzo has cooled, add the sliced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. - Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

5. **Adjust Seasoning:** - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

6. **Chill and Serve:** - Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. - Serve chilled or at room temperature.

💡 Chef's Tip

- **Cucumber Preparation:** - To prevent the salad from becoming watery, seed the cucumber before slicing. - For a more intense lemon flavor, zest the lemon before juicing and add the zest to the dressing. - **Make-Ahead Tip:** - This salad can be prepared a day in advance; the flavors develop further as it sits.

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