Stuffed Cucumbers with Greek Orzo Salad & Tzatziki Drizzle!

Stuffed Cucumbers with Greek Orzo Salad & Tzatziki Drizzle

Ingredients:

For the Greek Orzo Salad:

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

• 1 cup cucumber, diced (seeds removed)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Stuffed Cucumbers:

• 2 large cucumbers

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Tzatziki Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Greek Orzo Salad

1. Cook the Orzo:

   • Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Pour the dressing over the orzo mixture and toss gently to combine. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. Cut and Scoop the Cucumbers:

   • Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the center of each cucumber half, leaving a small border around the edge to form a boat.

   • Brush the insides of the cucumber halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Drizzle

1. Mix the Tzatziki Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

   • If you prefer a thinner drizzle, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Stuff the Cucumbers

1. Fill the Cucumber Boats:

   • Spoon the Greek orzo salad into the hollowed-out cucumber halves, packing it tightly.

2. Drizzle with Tzatziki:

   • Drizzle the tzatziki sauce generously over the stuffed cucumbers. You can also serve extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Step 5: Serve

• Arrange the stuffed cucumbers on a platter and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a refreshing touch.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the orzo salad and tzatziki drizzle ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. It’s best to stuff the cucumbers right before serving to keep them crisp.

Q2: What can I substitute for orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, you can use couscous, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes as a substitute. Adjust the cooking time according to the substitute you choose.

Q3: Can I make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut or cashew-based yogurt. Make sure it’s unsweetened and thick to maintain the creamy texture.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to the Greek orzo salad?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the orzo.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover orzo salad and tzatziki sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you have stuffed cucumbers, they are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Q6: Can I serve this as a main dish?

While this recipe is great as a side or appetizer, you can definitely serve it as a light main dish, especially if you add grilled chicken, lamb, or other proteins on the side.

This Stuffed Cucumbers with Greek Orzo Salad and Tzatziki Drizzle is a wonderfully fresh and healthy dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the savory flavors of Greek cuisine. It’s a perfect addition to your summer menu or as a bright, Mediterranean-inspired appetizer! Enjoy!