Veggie-ful Italian Orzo Salad

Pot luck dish. Dinner side. Lunch main. This veggie-packed recipe from the food blog, Veggies Don’t Bite is one of the most versatile dishes you’ll rely on this summer. Packed with veggies is fresh and delicious, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup fresh basil
2 cups sliced crimini mushrooms (about 12-13 mushrooms)
3 ounces sun dried tomatoes (I use the dried ones in a bag)
16 oz package orzo (I use whole wheat but gluten free is also available)
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas
¼ cup veggie broth
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme
Himalayan pink salt to taste, if needed

Note from the Chef: I measure the spinach and basil packed in. You can use sundried tomatoes in a jar just make sure they are packed in water if you want to keep this oil free. You don’t need much, if any, salt because the sun dried tomatoes have plenty but adjust to your preference.

Tips to prep ahead: Wash and slice all veggies and basil. Cook the orzo.

Method:
1. Wash and slice the spinach, basil, and mushrooms and chop sun dried tomatoes. Place in the bottom of a pasta strainer.

2. Cook the orzo according to package directions. When ready to drain, pour the whole pot, orzo with water, over the veggies in the bottom of the pasta strainer. This will slightly cook them. Rinse with hot water to remove starchiness from the pasta. Place everything in a big bowl once drained.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl and mix until well combined. Enjoy!

What do you think of this recipe? Tell us any additions or substitutions you made in the Comments below!

Sophia DeSantis is the author of Veggies Don’t Bite, a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free food blog targeted to all types of eaters. She is the mom of two beautiful boys and wife to an amazing husband. Her and her family live a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free life 90% of the time because she believes that the stress of having to be perfect shouldn’t overpower the benefits that their healthy lifestyle brings. Through her website, she hopes to reach anybody interested in making a positive health change in their life.