The options are endless!
Sometimes you just need a simple meal. One that you can fixate on, prep in advance, and change up regularly. Orzo salads do just that!
“An easy way to get your veggies and protein in one meal!"
Ingredients
Serves 4
8 Ounces Orzo, Dry
Some Delicious Veggie Combos
1. Grilled Zucchini, Asparagus, Onion and Green Pepper
2. Cherry Tomato and Green Pepper
3. Cucumber and Grilled Asparagus
4. Cherry Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion
5. Cherry Tomato, Cucumber, Red Onion and Olives
6. Spinach, Cherry Tomato and Red Onion
Meat/Protein Options with Veggie Pairing Suggested
16 Pieces Shrimp, Grilled or Pan Seared- 1, 3, 4
Pat dry and season with salt and pepper
One Chicken Breast, Grilled or Oven Baked and Shredded or Chopped- 1, 5, 6
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika
8 Ounce Steak, Grilled or Pan Seared and Cubed- 1, 2
Seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder
1/2 Can or More Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), Fresh or Pan Seared- 2, 4, 5, 6
Rinse and pat dry; if pan searing season with chili powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder
Dressing
*This is just a base dressing. Add more or less to your preference.
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1-2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, Fresh is best
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning or Parsley
Sprinkle of Garlic Powder or 1/2 Teaspoon of Minced Garlic
Sprinkle of Salt
Sprinkle of Pepper
Optional Toppings:
Feta Cheese or Parmesan Cheese
Toasted Almonds
Salted Pistachios
Directions
Cook the orzo according to the box. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside in a medium/large bowl until ready to mix with vegetables and dressing.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. If you like your dressing with more tang, add a little extra lemon juice or vinegar. If you like it a little more sweet, add a tiny bit of white sugar. Set in the fridge.
Dice all vegetables to preferred size and add them to your large bowl with the orzo.
Add your meat/protein, additional toppings and dressing. Mix well. For best flavor, let the mixture sit in the dressing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
My favorite thing about orzo salad is that it can be a main meal or a side dish based on what you want to put in it. What are your favorite orzo salad combinations? Tag me on Instagram or Facebook, hashtag #thegardenandgrub, and leave me comments below!
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