A refreshing and flavorful Greek salad featuring orzo pasta, chickpeas, and a medley of fresh vegetables, topped with feta cheese and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1cupOrzo Pasta Rice
- 1cupCanned Chickpeas (drained)
- 1/2cupRed Onion (finely diced)
- 1cupTomatoes (diced)
- 1cupCucumber (diced)
- 1/2cupYellow Pepper (diced)
- 1/2cupCalamata Olives (pitted)
- 1/2cupFeta Cheese (roughly crumbled)
- 2tbspMint (chiffonade)
- 2tbspItalian Parsley (roughly chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 5tbspPure Olive Oil
- 2tbspBalsamic Vinegar
- 2tbspLemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1tbspVegetable Oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
How to make Greek Orzo Salad
Cook the Orzo
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the vegetable oil and orzo pasta. Cook until al dente. Strain and do not rinse. Let the orzo cool before making the salad. Once cool, add a little pure olive oil and mix through to prevent the pasta from clumping.
Prepare the Chickpeas
Heat a small pan until smoking hot. Add a little olive oil, then the drained chickpeas. Sauté until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the Salad
In a mixing bowl, combine the orzo, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, red onion, olives, mint, parsley, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Serve the salad onto a platter. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top, then garnish with a little extra mint and parsley.
Tips & Tricks
For added flavor, you can marinate the chickpeas in olive oil and spices before sautéing.
Ensure the orzo is cooled completely before mixing to prevent it from becoming mushy.
FAQS
How do I cook orzo pasta for Greek Orzo Salad?
To cook orzo pasta for Greek Orzo Salad, bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add a little vegetable oil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, strain the orzo but do not rinse it. Allow it to cool before mixing it into the salad.
Can I make Greek Orzo Salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, Greek Orzo Salad can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad is already vegetarian-friendly due to its base of vegetables, orzo, and chickpeas, making it a nutritious option for those following a vegetarian diet.
What can I substitute for chickpeas in Greek Orzo Salad?
If you don't have chickpeas on hand, you can substitute them with other legumes such as black beans or cannellini beans. Alternatively, you could use diced grilled chicken or tofu for added protein, depending on your dietary preferences.
How should I store leftover Greek Orzo Salad?
To store leftover Greek Orzo Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors.
What dishes pair well with Greek Orzo Salad?
Greek Orzo Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, as well as seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp. It also complements Mediterranean appetizers like hummus, tzatziki, or stuffed grape leaves for a complete meal.
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Anna Middleton
(@chefanna)
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking. I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...
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