Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz dry orzo (about 1 1/2 cups) – whole wheat or regular
- 1 English cucumber (seeded, quartered lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 orange or yellow bell pepper (cored and diced)
- 1 (14 oz) can reduced-sodium chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 8 oz feta cheese (crumbled, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives (left whole)
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red vinegar (plus a few splashes to taste)
- 1 small garlic clove (grated or finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot of salted water, cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, red vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Combine Orzo and Dressing: While the orzo is still warm, pour about half of the dressing over it. Stir to coat, allowing the orzo to absorb the flavor and prevent it from sticking together.
- Add the Salad Ingredients: To the orzo, add the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, olives, and basil. Toss to combine, adding more dressing to moisten the salad.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar for more zing if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with a bit more dressing if needed.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a vegan version, swap the feta cheese for a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
