Imagine a refreshing, zesty salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors while being completely gluten-free - that's exactly what this Tabouli Orzo Salad promises! Perfect for health-conscious food lovers and those seeking a vibrant, nutritious dish, this recipe transforms traditional tabbouleh into a modern, gluten-free masterpiece. With its bright herbs, juicy tomatoes, and tangy lemon dressing, this salad is not just a side dish, but a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Middle East.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free orzo
- 1 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium-sized pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour the gluten-free orzo into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While orzo is cooking, prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the parsley and mint, ensuring leaves are very fine and stems are removed. Dice tomatoes into small, uniform cubes.
- Slice green onions thinly, including both white and green parts for added flavor and color.
- Once orzo is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, chopped parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo and vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality gluten-free orzo to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant taste and color.
- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor profile.
- For extra freshness, add the herbs just before serving to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Experiment with additional ingredients like cucumber or feta cheese for variations.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most authentic and bright citrus flavor.
- Rinse the orzo with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure perfect balance.
- Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
