Sunny Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe

Orzo salad bursts with Mediterranean magic, transforming everyday ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation.

Crisp cucumber dances alongside vibrant herbs, creating a cool summer symphony on your plate.

Tender pasta weaves through crunchy vegetables, telling a story of culinary passion and fresh ingredients.

Bright, zesty notes leap from each colorful forkful, promising a taste adventure that tingles your senses.

Delicate herbs and robust Mediterranean flavors intertwine, crafting a dish that feels both comforting and elegant.

Nutritious and light, this salad whispers of sun-drenched coastlines and rustic kitchen traditions.

Let this recipe be your passport to a delicious Mediterranean escape that will make your meal extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Cucumber

• Orzo: Select a high-quality, uniform-sized pasta that cooks evenly and maintains a delightful al dente texture.

• Cucumber, Scallions, Red Onion, Dill, Parsley: Choose crisp, vibrant vegetables with bright colors and no wilting for maximum flavor and crunch.

• Feta Cheese, Lemon, Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for creamy, tangy feta, fresh citrus, cold-pressed olive oil, and high-quality sea salt to elevate the salad's taste profile.

What You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling orzo with enough space for water and pasta.
• Colander: Helps drain orzo quickly and efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample room for combining salad ingredients.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking dressing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Essential surface for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Needed for dicing cucumber, scallions, and herbs.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning amounts.
• Spoon: Useful for scooping cucumber seeds.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad

• Cook Pasta Base

Boil water in a large pot with a splash of olive oil and pinch of salt. Drop in orzo and simmer until perfectly tender, about 9 minutes. Drain and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl, letting steam escape.

• Chop Fresh Vegetables

Rinse cucumber and slice into delicate bite-sized cubes, removing seeds for a cleaner texture. Finely mince scallions, red onion, and herbs like dill and parsley to create a vibrant vegetable mix.

• Whip Together Tangy Dressing

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil, then season with cracked pepper and a sprinkle of salt. Whisk until ingredients dance together into a smooth, zesty blend.

• Assemble Mediterranean Delight

Pour dressing over warm orzo, allowing liquid to absorb. Gently fold in chopped vegetables and herbs. Crumble creamy feta cheese across the top, creating beautiful white specks throughout the salad.

• Enhance Flavor Profile

Let salad rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop deep, complex flavors. Serve at ambient temperature for maximum taste enjoyment.

Tweak Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad Your Way

Explore flavor-packed twists and expert techniques that elevate this Mediterranean-inspired salad.

Toss in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal. Mediterranean-style protein additions create delicious depth and satisfying nutrition.

Swap cucumber for roasted zucchini, grilled bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Fresh seasonal vegetables bring vibrant colors and unexpected textures that keep the salad exciting and nutritionally diverse.

Experiment with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or oregano alongside dill and parsley. Different herb combinations can dramatically shift the salad’s flavor profile, making each preparation uniquely delightful.

Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as ingredients mingle, creating a more complex and delicious dish. Store in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving for maximum taste impact.

Serving Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad with Style

• Serve at Picnic Party: Pack this vibrant orzo salad in mason jars for a cheerful outdoor meal with friends, perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks.
• Mediterranean-Style Plating: Arrange salad on a large white platter, garnish with extra dill sprigs and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation that highlights fresh ingredients.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course that delivers extra nutrition and flavor.
• Chilled Refreshment Option: Chill salad for a cool, crisp experience during hot days, making it an excellent make-ahead dish that tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

Store Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad Easily

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Strategically: Store orzo salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep cucumber and herbs crisp by storing separately until ready to serve. Add these ingredients just before eating to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Allow chilled salad to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This technique helps restore the dressing's silky consistency and awakens the herbs' delicate flavors.
• Prep Like a Pro: Prepare components in advance by cooking orzo and chopping vegetables separately. Store in individual containers, combining just before serving to maintain the salad's perfect crunch and zesty appeal.

Vibrant Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s orzo salad with cucumber brings Mediterranean charm to summer dining. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a light, refreshing dish that you will savor alongside grilled meats or as a standalone meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ lb (340 g) orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
• ¾ lb (340 g) feta cheese, large-diced
• 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, medium-diced, unpeeled and seeded
• 1 cup (240 ml) scallions, minced, white and green parts
• 1 cup (240 ml) dill, chopped, fresh
• 1 cup (240 ml) parsley, chopped, fresh flat-leaf
• ½ cup (80 g) red onion, small-diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed (3 lemons)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• Olive oil, good quality

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Instructions

1. Orzo Preparation: Bring water to a vigorous boil in a medium saucepan, adding salt and olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent pasta adhesion. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook orzo until achieving a perfect al dente consistency, stirring periodically to prevent clustering.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously cleanse cucumber, removing seeds and dicing into uniform cubes. Thinly slice red onion and finely chop scallions, dill, and parsley to create a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl, crafting a zesty and vibrant vinaigrette that will elevate the salad’s overall taste.
4. Salad Assembly: Transfer cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl, gently incorporating the prepared vegetables, fresh herbs, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the crafted dressing over the mixture, carefully folding to ensure even distribution and delicate ingredient integration.
5. Flavor Development: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, permitting the ingredients to harmonize and develop a robust, interconnected flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir orzo occasionally and add olive oil to water to ensure separate, perfectly cooked pasta grains.
• Seed Cucumber Technique: Remove cucumber seeds to prevent excess moisture and maintain a crisp, fresh salad texture.
• Flavor Melding Magic: Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, letting ingredients blend and develop deeper, more complex tastes.
• Dressing Distribution Tip: Gently toss dressing with orzo while slightly warm to help pasta absorb flavors more effectively and evenly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg