Ingredients
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow), diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Creating this delicious Easy Orzo Salad is simple when you follow these steps:
1. Cook Orzo: In a medium saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until tender yet firm.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool.
3. Prepare Vegetables: While the orzo cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped vegetables, chickpeas, feta cheese, and parsley.
5. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine evenly.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Chill: For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
9. Serve: After chilling, give the salad another gentle toss and serve it on a platter or in individual dishes.
With these easy steps, making your own Easy Orzo Salad becomes a fun and enjoyable task!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.