Simple & Delicious Orzo Salad

This orzo salad, made with tomatoes, mint, protein-packed chickpeas, and red onion, is hearty and is easy to prepare. The vinaigrette adds hints of citrus and honey to this salad. This orzo salad can be served for lunch or at dinner as a main course, or as a side dish during your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of orzo (1lb)

• 1 can (15 ounce) of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained & rinsed

• 1 3/4 cups of red & yellow tomatoes (grape or cherry), halved

• 3/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/8 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Vinaigrette (recipe to follow)

Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare orzo according to package directions.

2. Transfer the orzo to a large bowl, rinse orzo, and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.

3. Prepare vinaigrette: Add the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk ingredients, then and gradually blend in the oil while whisking.

4. Toss the orzo with the chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, mint, and ½ cup of vinaigrette.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste.