Looking for a side dish and wanting to use produce and herbs I had on hand, I tried this Giada 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
Recipe courtesy Giadia De Laurentis
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!
