Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas & Feta

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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This colorful Mediterranean Orzo Salad combines tender wheat orzo with crisp English cucumber, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, hearty garbanzo beans, and flavorful sun-dried peppers. Finished with fresh lime juice and olive oil, this easy pasta salad is refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for summer meals, picnics, potlucks, and entertaining.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: According to package directions
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

For the Orzo

• 1 cup wheat orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Water, according to package directions

For the Salad

• 2 cups English cucumber, chopped
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For the Dressing

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or liquid from the sun-dried tomatoes)
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the Orzo

Cook the wheat orzo according to the package directions. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to the cooking water while the pasta cooks.

2. Drain and Separate the Orzo

Drain the cooked orzo and immediately add it to a large salad bowl. Gently stir the pasta a couple of times to help keep the orzo separated and prevent it from clumping together.

3. Add the Vegetables and Other Ingredients

Add the chopped English cucumber, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and sun-dried peppers to the bowl with the orzo.

4. Add the Dressing

Pour the juice of 1 lime and 2 tablespoons olive oil over the salad.

5. Mix and Serve

Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Serve immediately or chill before serving for an even more refreshing salad.

Recipe Notes

• Make it ahead: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
• For the best texture: Gently stir the cooked orzo after draining to keep the individual pieces separated.
• Perfect for entertaining: This colorful salad makes an excellent side dish for cookouts, picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
• Serving idea: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite White Jasmine artisan cheese.