Greek Orzo Salad
RETURN TO RECIPESSERVES 8-10
This hearty salad is packed with plenty of goodness! A generous helping of farm-fresh, finely diced veggies along with nutty orzo create a delicious melange of wonderful flavors. Tossed with a lemony-gar- lic vinaigrette, and topped with fresh herbs and crispy, salty halloumi cheese, this nourishing salad comes together in a snap!
- In a large pot, boil water. Once boiling, add salt and the orzo. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente. Drain the orzo with a colander and run it under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Wash the vegetables, pat dry. Cut the tomatoes and olives into halves. Chop the cucumber, peppers, and onion into a fine dice. Coarsely mince the herbs. Place all in a large bowl.
- Mix all of the vinaigrette ingredients together in a deep measuring cup, jar, or bowl. Whisk vigorously until well-combined.
- Dry the halloumi cheese with paper towels. Add the canola oil to a skillet over medium-high heat, and allow to warm until the oil is hot. Pan fry the halloumi, turning with tongs until both sides are nicely golden brown -- about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and cut into 1" pieces.
- Add the cooked orzo to the vegetables, drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss until the ingredients are well-coated. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Top the orzo salad with the fried halloumi pieces. Enjoy immediately!
INGREDIENTS
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 oz. orzo
- 16 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 English cucumber, quartered and diced
- 3-5 mini red bell peppers, diced
- 3-5 mini orange bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill weed, chopped
Halloumi Ingredients:
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, drained, and cut into 1/4" slices
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper