You open your phone to a “Hey! We’re hosting a potluck next Thursday and we’d love for you to come” message notification. You reply with “Exciting! I’ll be there :)” and now you’re sitting there trying to think of what in the world to bring…
We asked Caitlin Boudreau, Lead Dietitian at TELUS Health MyCare, to give us a recipe that is yummy, simple to make, and easy to share with family and friends. This recipe combines orzo pasta with a colourful medley of vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives to create a refreshing dish perfect for the warm summer weather. Give this recipe a try - who knows, maybe this will be your signature potluck dish that everyone requests you bring from now on.
(serves 6)
Ingredients:
1.5 cups dry orzo
1 English cucumber, quartered vertically and cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup feta, chopped or crumbled
1/4 large red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing:
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
3 tbsp lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp of salt, or to taste
2 tbsp sugar
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare orzo according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and toss with some olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside to cool.
While orzo is cooking, combine all other ingredients in a large salad bowl.
Combine dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk until well mixed.
Add orzo to veggies, and toss with dressing (to taste). You do not have to use all of the dressing, feel free to save whatever you don't need in a mason jar and store in the fridge for future use.
Toss salad, season with freshly ground pepper and serve.
This fiber-rich salad is great for digestion and keeping you full for longer. While it’s great for most people, registered dietitians on the TELUS Health MyCare app can give personalized recommendations so you can eat meals that fuel your body in a way that’s unique to you. The best way to find out what works best for you and your body is to get personalized nutrition advice from a dietitian. Dietitians on the TELUS Health MyCare app are ready and willing to help with planning your next nutritious potluck item.