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Orzo Pasta Salad

Delicious Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon-Oregano Twist

This Orzo Pasta Salad is vibrant, quick, and customizable, perfect for summer picnics.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup orzo pasta gluten-free option available
  • 4 cups chicken broth substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 piece cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 can chickpeas rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • to taste fresh basil for garnishing
  • to taste fresh parsley for garnishing
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or substitute with lighter oil
  • 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 piece lemon juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano or use fresh oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red apple vinegar, the juice of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Once cooled, add the orzo to the bowl with the dressing. Incorporate 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 can of rinsed chickpeas, 1/4 cup of chopped red onion, 1/2 cup of sliced olives, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil and parsley on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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