Orzo Salad

Orzo Salad

Ingredients

For Dressing:

3 teaspoons lemon zest about (1 1/2 lemons)

8-9 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 to 3 lemons) 

1 medium clove garlic, grated fine

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed 

1/2 to 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

For Salad:

1 large red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced into small dice

1/2 large seedless English cucumber, watery pulp scooped out and discarded, diced (about 1 1/2 cups) 

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup) 

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

1/2 cup diced plum tomatoes

1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives 

1/2 to 1 cup lightly toasted chopped walnuts -I like our on the small but not too fine side.

1/4 cup pine nuts lightly toasted

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint 

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley 

Cooking pasta

When pasta water comes to boil add orzo stir, then add 1 tablespoon Kosher or Himalayan salt 

1 pound dried orzo 

Cook 8-9 minutes tops drain in colander do not rinse

While orzo is warm add all veggies and dressing and stir,stir,stir.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour then add feta.

I usually add it as it’s served in case some don’t like feta.

4 ounces brine-packed Greek feta, crumbled (optional) 

Note

if you don’t like feta skip it or add a cheese you do like -Parm-Romano-or none at all