ORZO SALAD

Orzo Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Time 3h

Yield 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 teaspoons lemon zest (1 lemon)
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 to 3 lemons)
1 medium clove garlic, grated
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 large seedless English cucumber, watery pulp scooped out and discarded, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives
1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoon kosher salt
1 pound dried orzo
6 ounces brine-packed Greek feta, crumbled (optional)

Steps:

To make the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Set the dressing aside.
To make the salad, combine the bell pepper, cucumber, onion, chickpeas, olives, walnuts, mint and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and a small splash of olive oil. Add the orzo and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the orzo in a colander, then add it to the vegetable mixture while the orzo is still hot. Immediately pour the dressing onto the orzo and vegetables, and stir to combine. The hot orzo will readily absorb the dressing. Add a splash more olive oil if the salad seems too dry. Allow the salad to cool to room temperature, and add the feta, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Give the salad a stir, then taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, if need be.