Spring is springing, thank goodness! What better way to celebrate the lengthening days than with a delicious orzo salad packed with delicious veggies?
I made this recipe with traditional wheat pasta orzo, but you can sub it out for a grain-free version like Jovial cassava orzo. Orzo is Italian for “barley,” which makes sense given the grain-like shape. Despite the Italian name, orzo actually originated in Greece, hence the heavy greek influences in many orzo pasta salad recipes.
This salad can be an excellent side or main, depending on how peckish you feel. The chickpeas/garbanzo beans add fiber and and protein, making it a more substantial dish. This dish is a colorful vegan option for entertaining (one day lol), and can be dressed up with a crumble of vegan or sheep’s milk feta.
AuthorAzeezah GoodwinCategoryDinner Recipes
Boil orzo according to cooking instructions on the box.
While pasta is cooking, finely chop cucumber, green pepper, tomato, dill, onion, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and kalamata olives.
When pasta is done cooking, drain but do not rinse. Place pasta and chopped ingredients into a mixing bowl. Keep approx. 1 tsp of the dill to one side to add as garnish. Add garbanzo beans, olive oil, red wine vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add fresh ground pepper and salt to taste. Mix well.
Plate and top with remaining dill. Optional: add vegan or sheep's milk feta cheese. Pro tip: salad will taste even better after being refrigerated for a few hours.
Ingredients
Directions
Boil orzo according to cooking instructions on the box.
While pasta is cooking, finely chop cucumber, green pepper, tomato, dill, onion, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and kalamata olives.
When pasta is done cooking, drain but do not rinse. Place pasta and chopped ingredients into a mixing bowl. Keep approx. 1 tsp of the dill to one side to add as garnish. Add garbanzo beans, olive oil, red wine vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add fresh ground pepper and salt to taste. Mix well.
Plate and top with remaining dill. Optional: add vegan or sheep's milk feta cheese. Pro tip: salad will taste even better after being refrigerated for a few hours.
To watch me make it, check out this IGTV Video:
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Do you have a special take on orzo salad that you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments!
