Geoffrey Zakarian's Mediterranean Orzo Salad Beauty, as seen on The Kitchen, Season 37.
Recipe courtesy of Geoffrey Zakarian

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 25 min
  • Active: 20 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
Pouring the dressing over the pasta while it is still warm is essential to making sure it absorbs all the flavors. This orzo salad has crunch, sweetness and brightness and is the perfect side dish for a summer lunch.

Ingredients

Dressing:

Salad:

Directions

  1. For the dressing: Add the oil, dill, vinegar, lemon juice, tahini, mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a mason jar with a lid and shake to emulsify. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Set aside.
  2. For the salad: Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, taking 2 minutes off the package cook time so as not to overcook. Drain the orzo and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the orzo while it’s still hot. Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Add the olives, pepperoncini, onion, chopped dill and half the feta and fold gently to combine. Test and add more salt, pepper, olive oil or lemon juice as needed.
  4. To serve, crumble the remaining feta over the top, then add the cucumbers and a few more sprigs of fresh dill.