Recipe

Hosted By
DnD

		Orzo Salad
		Serving Size - 12
		Prepared By - DnD
		Recipe Rating * * * * *	Printer Friendly Recipe

DRESSING:

2 teaspoons lemon zest (1 lemon)

6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 to 3 lemons)

3 garlic cloved, minced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

SALAD:

1 large red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced

1 English cucumber, watery pulp scooped out and discarded, diced

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)

1 (15.5-ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives

1 1/2 cups roughly chopped walnuts

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley

1 pound dried orzo

9 ounces Greek feta, crumbled

DRESSING: - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set the dressing aside. SALAD: - Combine the bell pepper, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, olives, walnuts, mint and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and a small splash of olive oil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the orzo in a colander, then add it to the vegetable mixture while the orzo is still hot. Immediately pour the dressing onto the orzo and vegetables, and stir to combine. The hot orzo will readily absorb the dressing. Add a splash more olive oil if the salad seems too dry. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature, and add the feta, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. Give the salad a stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, if need be.