Name: Orzo Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 38 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta; extra-virgin olive oil for tossing the orzo; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for dressing; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar plus 1 tbsp more; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice plus 1 tbsp more; 1 tsp dried oregano divided; 1/2 tsp sea salt plus more to taste; 2 Persian cucumbers halved and sliced; 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved; 1 cup cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed; 4 oz feta cheese cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives; 1 cup fresh basil and/or mint leaves; freshly ground black pepper

01

Overview

Prep30 min

Cook8 min

Total38 min

Servings6

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta extra-virgin olive oilfor tossing the orzo1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oilfor dressing2 tbsp red wine vinegarplus 1 tbsp more2 tbsp fresh lemon juiceplus 1 tbsp more1 tsp dried oreganodivided1/2 tsp sea saltplus more to taste2 Persian cucumbershalved and sliced2 cups cherry tomatoeshalved1 cup cooked chickpeasdrained and rinsed4 oz feta cheesecut into 1/4-inch cubes1/3 cup red onionthinly sliced1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives1 cup fresh basil and/or mint leaves freshly ground black pepper

03

Equipment

Large pot
Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife and cutting board

04

Method

01

Cook and cool the orzo

Boil the orzo in salted water until slightly past al dente. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and spread on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature.

02

Whisk the dressing

Whisk olive oil with red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and salt until bright and glossy.

03

Toss and garnish

In a large bowl, combine cooled orzo, cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, onion, and olives. Dress, add half the herbs, season with pepper, and toss. Finish with the remaining herbs.

✦

Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

✦

Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

✦

Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

?

Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Orzo Salad

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment