Are you looking for a refreshing and tasty recipe perfect for spring and summer picnics? Look no further! This lemon orzo pasta salad with cucumbers and olives is the perfect dish for your guests, who would otherwise be yearning for more.
Packed with refreshing flavors and essential nutrients, this dish is an easy-to-make recipe for any occasion. Below, we will walk you through the exciting benefits of preparing this healthy and satisfying dish.
Health Benefits
This dish is loaded with essential nutrition packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can do wonders for your body while maintaining good health. Lemon juice, for instance, is an excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system by producing white blood cells.
Shutterstock/ AP | This cucumber lemon orzo salad is full of fresh summer veggies
Vegetables like cucumbers are rich in vitamins K and C and minerals like magnesium and potassium that help maintain healthy bones. Additionally, olives are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A plateful of this dish is what you need to take that step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Recipe
Are you ready to make your salad? Here's how: Boil the orzo pasta in salted water until it's tender and has a chewy texture. Drain the pasta and run it over cold water to stop the cooking process. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, and some garlic in a separate bowl.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the orzo pasta, cucumber, olives, scallions, and cherry tomatoes with the lemon dressing in a large bowl. Next, add feta cheese and mix. Finally, refrigerate it for an hour for the flavors to meld, and you're all set to serve.
Shutterstock/ AP | Orzo is a good source of thiamin and niacin, also providing some B6, folate, iron, and zinc.
Variations of Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
The best thing about this recipe is that you can modify it to suit your taste buds. For instance, you can use different types of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Additionally, you can add some chicken, tofu, or other protein sources to make it a complete meal. You could also include capers, roasted garlic, pesto, or fresh herbs like basil and rosemary to give it extra flavor.
Tips to Perfect Your Salad
Keep a few things in mind when making this recipe to ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Firstly, reserve a cup of pasta water to add to the dressing to make it more fluid. This will help to coat the pasta evenly.
Zona / Blog Image | Orzo is classed as a type of pasta that is short-cut in its appearance, making it look much like rice
Alternatively, you can add more olive oil or lemon juice to thin it out. Secondly, refrigerate your dish before serving it as it tastes better when cold. Finally, always adjust the seasoning to suit your taste buds.
This lemon orzo pasta salad with cucumbers and olives is an easy-to-prepare recipe with numerous health benefits. It is an excellent way to get your daily dose of essential nutrients while enjoying a refreshing meal. So why not give this recipe a try during your next picnic or potluck? Impress your guests with this delicious and healthy dish they won't forget!
