Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas

Ingredients

• 1 cup wheat orzo
• 1 cup chickpea
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber
• 0.25 cup red onion
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 cup parsley
• 0.25 cup mint
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Cook the whole wheat orzo according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain.
2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo with the cooked chickpeas.
3. 3Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber. Add to the bowl with orzo and chickpeas.
4. 4Finely chop the red onion and kalamata olives and add them to the bowl.
5. 5In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a dressing.
6. 6Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
7. 7Chop the fresh parsley and mint, then add to the salad. Mix well to distribute the herbs evenly.
8. 8Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
9. 9Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
10. 10Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.