Ingredients
Main Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo
- 1/2 medium cucumber, deseeded and cubed
- 1/4 medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- Handful chopped parsley, minced
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- Juice of one lemon
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 1/4 tsp dry basil
- 1/4 tsp dry oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Follow the package instructions to cook 1 1/2 cups of dry orzo until al dente. Once cooked, drain the orzo thoroughly but do not rinse it, then set it aside to cool while preparing the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar, juice of one lemon, 1 to 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon agave syrup, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well until emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained orzo, 1/2 medium deseeded and cubed cucumber, 1/4 finely diced red onion, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 can rinsed and drained chickpeas, a handful of minced chopped parsley, lemon zest from one lemon if using, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss thoroughly to evenly coat and combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Do not rinse the orzo after cooking to allow the dressing to adhere better.
- Optional ingredients like lemon zest and red pepper flakes add brightness and a slight kick but can be omitted if preferred.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor melding, but it can also be served immediately if needed.
- Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor and is suitable for a vegan diet.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the dressing to maximize freshness and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
