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–+ servings
orzo salad in a bowl

Orzo Salad / Easy Orzo Pasta Salad

By Jigna
This Orzo Salad is filled with orzo pasta, chickpeas, veggies, fresh herbs, ricotta, and homemade salad dressing! It is light, vibrant, healthy, filling, and comforting.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Course Salad, Side Dish
Diet Eggless, Vegetarian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For The Dressing

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For The Salad

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 1 cup boiled chickpeas
  • 1 medium English cucumber diced
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley
  • 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoon capers (optional)
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese (or add Feta chees if you like)

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil; cook the orzo until al dente, according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the orzo in a strainer and rinse well with cold water. Set aside.
  • Whisk together oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Set aside.
  • Add cooked pasta, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, cilantro, basil, capers, and ricotta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine everything well.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and stir again. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice if necessary.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Notes

  1. Cooking the Pasta: I like cooking pasta a little past al dente so it stays tender even after cooling.
  2. Allow the Pasta to Cool: After draining the pasta into the strainer, rinse it with cold water for at least 15 seconds. Cold water will cool the pasta quickly and prevent it from being sticky.
  3. Make Ahead: You can prepare the Orzo salad a day in advance. Mix everything except the fresh herbs, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add herbs, mix well and serve.

Nutrition (Approximate Values)

Calories : 224kcalCarbohydrates : 29gProtein : 7gFat : 10gSaturated Fat : 2gPolyunsaturated Fat : 1gMonounsaturated Fat : 6gCholesterol : 5mgSodium : 620mgPotassium : 284mgFiber : 3gSugar : 5gVitamin A : 881IUVitamin C : 33mgCalcium : 53mgIron : 1mg
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