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Easy • Vegetarian

Zesty Mediterranean Orzo Salad

A bright, refreshing orzo salad packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and hearty chickpeas.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
6
Level
Easy
Zesty Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Looking for a side dish that steals the show or a light, satisfying lunch? This Zesty Mediterranean Orzo Salad is your new go-to! It's loaded with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and protein-packed chickpeas, all tossed in a simple, zesty dressing. This salad is not only incredibly easy to make but also tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Herb Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook orzo pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool down. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    While orzo cooks, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled orzo, rinsed chickpeas, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

  5. Step 5

    Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. This salad is excellent cold.

Tips

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial main course.
  • For extra brightness, add a sprinkle of fresh mint or dill.
  • If you're not a fan of red onion's bite, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad to mellow its flavor.

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