Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with this vibrant and refreshing Fava Bean and Orzo Salad! Imagine a dish that's not just a meal, but a culinary journey that combines the creamy texture of fava beans, the delicate pasta pearls of orzo, and a zesty lemon dressing that will make your palate dance. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light dinner that screams gourmet, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup fava beans, cooked
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fava beans. If using fresh fava beans, remove them from their pods and blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Once blanched, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. After they have cooled, peel off the outer skins to reveal the tender beans. If using canned fava beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.
- In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the orzo and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked fava beans, cooked orzo, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the fava beans.
- Finally, add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Give it a light toss to incorporate the cheese, or leave it on top for presentation.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve at room temperature or chilled, garnished with additional lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Bean Preparation Hack: If fresh fava beans seem intimidating, don't worry! Canned or frozen beans work perfectly and save you precious prep time.
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook orzo al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents mushy pasta and helps the salad stay fresh.
- Flavor Boost: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or swap feta for goat cheese to make this recipe your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
