Greek Orzo Salad

RETURN TO RECIPES
SERVES 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!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix all of the vinaigrette ingredients together in a deep measuring cup, jar, or bowl. Whisk vigorously until well-combined.
  4. 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.
  5. 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