It’s almost cookout season and this is the perfect side dish to bring to your next BBQ! I love orzo, there is something about the shape that I think is so fun. Plus, I think it makes pasta salad easier to eat! Here, I increase the plant based protein and fiber in the dish by using chickpea pasta. Banza makes a ‘rice’ which looks like orzo to me, so we use that here. It also makes this gluten free! Feel free use regular pasta too! This would be great for meal prep too and you can add a protein if you like to make it heartier. Shrimp, salmon, chicken, or halloumi would be great! Even falafel!

Here is what we will need:

• Orzo Pasta – I used Banza chickpea rice here to add protein and fiber. Use your favorite orzo or small shape pasta
• Cucumbers – great for crunch
• Tomatoes – add sweetness
• Red Onion – a must in Greek flavors
• Green Onion
• Olive Oil
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Dijon Mustard – I love the tang that this brings!
• Oregano – traditional Greek spice
• Salt & Pepper

If you make this ahead of time, make sure to save the dressing and add it when you are ready to serve. The pasta will absorb it if not and will be dry. You can also mix it in right away and prep another batch of dressing to mix in when you’re ready for even more flavor!

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Course: Sides, Dinner, Salads, LunchCuisine: Mediterranean, GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

140

kcal

Protein

7.2

g

Fat

5.8

g

Carbohydrates

17.8

g

Ingredients

• 1 package Banza ‘Rice’ (prepared according to directions)

• 1 cup diced cucumbers

• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 cup diced red onion

• 1/2 cup diced green peppers

• 1/2 cup reduced fat crumbled feta

• Dressing

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp garlic paste

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp oregano

• Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Directions

• Make your dressing by combining all dressing ingredients in a small jar and shaking them
• In a large bowl, add pasta, veggies, and feta.
• Top with dressing and mix.
• Serve right away.

Notes

• Wait to add the dressing until you are serving or the pasta will absorb the dressing and be dry. Or you can make an extra batch of the dressing and add more when ready to serve.