Looking for a side dish and wanting to use produce and herbs I had on hand, I tried this Giada Orzo Salad recipe.
I halved the recipe and substituted Roma tomatoes for the grape tomatoes, tossed in some lightly cooked broccoli and topped with Feta. I would have added some bell peppers if I had them.
John liked it a lot. (glad he does because there was lots left-over)
I thought it needed a little more flavor even with the fresh basil and mint.
Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups orzo
- 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved (I used Roma)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- About 3/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, recipe follows
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- (I added) Feta
Directions
Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.
Red Wine Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 servings
- Linking to Foodie Friday!
There isn't a single component in this salad that I would dare change. Looks absolutely delicious!
That looks very good. My kind of food for the summer.
Loved your photos from the wedding
So fresh looking…..great recipe! Have a wonderful weekend:)
Summer on a plate. Send your left overs to me please lol!
recipe looks great , going to try that one. Had a great visit today , thanks for all your great ideas. Tink
What a lovely, light salad. Looks terrific!
Looks delicious. I love all the flavors in there!
Oh this looks just wonderful…going to give it a try for sure. Have a good day!
just figured out garbanzo = chickpeas 😛
this is such a healthful salad…you're so talented at plating and food styling lorraine 🙂
Wow that looks wonderful! Our gardens can bring out the creativity in our cooking can't they? I keep changing my menus around to accommodate what is ready for the picking each day.
Sherry @ A Happy Valentine
I have most of Giada's cookbooks. I've made this particular recipe many times and love it. The salad can be served at room temperature which is nice, especially as a dish for a pot luck. Your photos look great.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
We would absolutely love this Lorraine. I think I have all the ingredients, too! Love to you and the family, Mildred