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Dill Pickle Chickpea Orzo Salad Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

This refreshing Dill Pickle Chickpea Orzo Salad combines tender orzo pasta, protein-rich chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, carrots, and radishes, tangy dill pickles, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dill pickle vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad offers a unique twist with the dill pickle juice dressing that adds a bright, tangy note to every bite.

Ingredients

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¾ cup dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Salad

  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 19 ounces canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, diced
  • 1 cup dill pickles, diced
  • ½ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 medium radishes, sliced
  • ⅓ cup green onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dill Pickle Vinaigrette: Place olive oil, dill pickle juice, granulated garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a lidded mason jar. Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until just past al dente. Drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then transfer to a large salad bowl.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the drained chickpeas, diced English cucumber, diced carrots, diced feta cheese, diced dill pickles, chopped fresh dill, sliced radishes, and sliced green onions to the large bowl with orzo.
  4. Dress the Salad: Shake the vinaigrette again to re-emulsify, then drizzle it evenly over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
  5. Toss to Combine: Gently toss all the ingredients with the vinaigrette until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately or chill before serving. Enjoy the refreshing and tangy flavors of this unique orzo salad.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste after tossing, especially since feta and pickles add saltiness.
  • Use fresh dill for a brighter flavor, but dried dill works well when fresh is unavailable.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Rinsing the pasta after cooking helps cool it quickly and prevents it from sticking.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/dill-pickle-chickpea-orzo-salad-recipe/