Recipe: Black Bean & Tomato Orzo Salad

Potlucks used to make me sweat a little. They always felt a little judgey so I was always the paper products girl or drinks girl. Then as I started to get a little braver in the kitchen, I started to get braver at potlucks.

My first real item to bring to a potluck was “Dirt”. If you know what the dessert “Dirt” then you know this was really not anything I made but more mixed together (cream cheese, oreos, and some gummy worms), but it was a step in the right direction. Well, for my confidence but certainly not for any of those who were watching their calories that day.

Now, many years later, I have a few dishes that I religiously take to potlucks. They are my go-t0 dishes. Easy and crowd pleasers.

The dish I picked for the Potluck on the Farm on Tuesday was an oldie, but goodie. It originally started as this simple, but tasty orzo salad from Giada. Over time I have tweaked it to my liking and it is a hit.

Black Bean & Tomato Orzo Salad

In the mix:
-2 cups vegetable broth
-2 cups water
-2 cups orzo
-1 8 oz. feta, crubmled
-1 15oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
-1.5 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
-1/2 cup green onion, chopped
-1/4 cup basil, chopped

For dressing:
-1/2 cup red wine vinegar
-1/4 cup olive oil
-3 tbsp lemon juice
-3 tsp honey
-S&P to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and S&P. Cover and place in fridge to chill.

In a large saucepan bring broth and water to boil. Add orzo and place lid partially over pan. Cook until orzo is tender but not mushy (about 8 minutes). Drain orzo and set aside to cool. Toss occasionally while cooling so it doesn’t stick together in a big clump.

Once cooled, mix orzo with beans, tomatoes, onions, basil, and feta. Mix in dressing up to 2 hours before eating.

This recipe makes a ton which is fine because I have never had to bring any leftovers home. Pasta and cheese? Seriously. How could people hate this?!

It should be noted that the tomatoes are a mix from my CSA share and my own backyard container garden. The green onions are from my CSA share. The basil is from my own garden. Using fresh ingredients is what really makes this salad shine!

Do you have go-to potluck dishes? I’m still on the hunt for the perfect cookie recipe so if that is your go-to recipe, let me know!

See ya tomorrow!

Tagged as: black beans, orzo, recipe, tomatoes