Orzo Salad with Spring Veggies

 


1 box of orzo pasta

1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 16 ounce can of chickpeas, drained

1/2 cup red onion diced

2 cup of fresh spinach   

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 cup crumbled feta cheese


Dressing:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp dijon mustard

1/4 tsp each salt and pepper


Optional toppings:

Slices of steak, cooked shrimp, sliced chicken or salmon


Cook Orzo according to package directions.  Drain and rinse with a little cold water to stop the cooking process.   

Add completely drained orzo to a large mixing bowl.  

Add in sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, drained chickpeas, diced red onion, fresh spinach and basil.

In a mason jar with a lid add the dressing ingredients and shake well. You can also put the ingredients into a small mixing bowl and whisk.

Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the orzo and veggies and mix to combine.  Add more if needed.  

Top with crumbled feta cheese and any additional protein toppings.  Keep refrigerated until serving.  This salad can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tilapia and Warm Lentil Salad

Image
 To elevate this dish, a Fume Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly.  Tilapia with Warm Lentil Salad 4 6 oz tilapia filets Marinade: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 cloves of minced garlic 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp salt  1/2 tsp pepper Warm Lentil Salad 1 cup rinsed green lentils 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/4 cup finely diced red onion 1/4  cup fresh parsley, chopped 4 cups of arugula 1/2 tsp salt  1/4 tsp pepper Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Marinade: Put all the marinade ingredients into a mason jar and shake well or whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl.   Pat the tilapia filets dry with a paper towel and add them to a plastic sealable bag.  Pour the marinade over the pieces. Gently place the bag into the refrigerator for 20 minutes or up to an hour. Place marinated tilapia filets onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Warm lentil salad: While the tilapia is marinating
Read more

Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic

  Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic 1 head of cauliflower chopped into florets 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves of garlic minced 1 tsp each salt and pepper 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spread the florets evenly  in 1 layer on the sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the florets are fork tender and slightly browned. Top roasted cauliflower with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.  Serve.
Read more

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Image
  6 oz. fresh spinach or arugula 2 12.5 oz cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cucumber, diced 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 tsp salt Fresh ground pepper to taste Dressing  1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp fresh parsley 1/4 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper In a large mixing bowl, add spinach or arugula, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, feta, salt and pepper. In a mason jar or small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.  Close the jar and shake to combine or whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour enough dressing to coat the salad and toss. Add more dressing if desired.
Read more