Does anyone remember I declared last summer the summer of my herbs? Well, I have a new declaration. This is the spring of side dishes. Really. I am sorely lacking in any good side dish ideas. I focus all my attention on the main attraction and then get lazy when it comes to the sides. But no more. I decided this the other day, while in the shower. I decide a lot of things while in the shower, most of which I've forgotten by the time I get dried off.
When I saw this recipe at Cooking Light, I knew I would start with this. I had everything that I needed to make it. It was quick and easy and pretty tasty. My husband thought it was great, I thought that it could have used just a little something extra...maybe some diced red bell pepper or some black olives.
Orzo Salad with Chickpeas, Dill, and Lemon
Serves 4
1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 (19-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon cold water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove minced (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain.
Combine pasta, onions, cheese, dill, and chickpeas in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine.
Combine juice and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat.
This will be my entry for Weekend Herb Blogging hosted by Ivy from Kopiaste.
21 comments:
That looks delicious! You are right about the sides, they kind of get forgotten along the way.
Funny you mention side dishes because I am lacking in those badly.
Also, I have been looking for a good simple orzo/quinoa salad since it is softball season and light meal before a game is perfect.
that looks like a great side dish!
I guess I need to check out the orzo section of my supermarket?
Side dishes are often the star of my dinners, because I sometimes run out of meat imagination. Roast beef is roast beef, after all, and doesn't need dressing up, but a good side dish makes it fun!
lemon and dill are one of my favorite combinations. I love this!
Seems like another item I will need to cook up!! Thank you....
The Spring of side dishes! I love that line...and the food.
Pam, thanks for coming to check out my blog! Yours is a favorite of mine!
I love orzo. It is one of my favorite pastas. This looks exciting and different.
Mmmm. Orzo! Love it. This will go on my to make list, for sure!
Hubby goes to great lengths on the main dish and usually we just have a veggie with it. I am a pasta girl, so, yes, we will be having it!
Yummy! Making it this weekend. :)
This looks yummy!
I always forget about sides too... and then end up with some frozen veggies or something equally boring. ;-(
I am a huge fan of whole wheat orzo. Add chickpeas and dill~ that would be heart healthy and happy.
Thanks for this recipe!
This sounds delicious! I love orzo :)
I love chickpeas, especially in pasta. I am always doing that with side dishes...I need to start planning my meals around them rather than the other way around!
This looks like an absolutely perfect side dish!! I adore chickpeas, and this is such a perfect way to dress them.. GREAT for spring!
this looks wonderful, anything with lemon and orzo i would love! love your photography too~
This is a beautiful dish. I am quite fond of chick peas and orzo. The dill is so light and fine it adds an inspired touch for spring. What a wonderful idea!
This is my kind of salad. I like that lemon and dill combo!
Ah yes, there's that wonderful dill - just in time for Spring.
Hello, Pam -- just wanted to let you know I made this for a teacher luncheon and it went over well! In our home it was such an unqualified hit that I had to make an extra batch for us to eat since I had to send the first to school. The sliced black olives were a great addition, adding some richness to match the depth of the garlic. Delicious!
Post a Comment