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Easy 8-Minute No-Cook Greek Orzo Salad Recipe for Perfect Summer Lunches

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A quick and refreshing no-cook Greek orzo salad that comes together in just 8 minutes, perfect for hot summer days and fuss-free lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (170g) of uncooked orzo under cold water in a colander for about 30 seconds to remove excess starch. Drain well.
  2. Open a 15 oz (425g) can of chickpeas, rinse under cold water, and drain thoroughly. Set aside.
  3. Dice 1 medium cucumber and halve 1 cup (150g) of cherry tomatoes. Finely dice about ¼ cup red onion if using. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, minced garlic clove (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the rinsed orzo, chickpeas, chopped cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  7. Give the salad one last toss and adjust seasoning if needed with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

Rinse orzo well to remove starch and prevent clumping. Use block feta for better texture. Let salad rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust dressing to taste and add fresh herbs like dill or mint for variation. Salad can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with quinoa or rice pasta, and dairy-free by replacing feta with avocado or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek orzo salad, no-cook salad, summer lunch, Mediterranean salad, easy salad recipe, quick lunch, vegetarian salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-8-minute-no-cook-greek-orzo-salad-recipe-for-perfect-summer-lunches/