Gluten Free
Chopped Summer Salad (with Spiced Pecans)
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Yield
4 - 6 servings
This delicious and easy summer salad is topped with the crunch of spiced pecans and will be a summer go-to for BBQ's and picnics.
This chopped summer salad is a great sidekick to your summer barbecues or potluck this year. It can be whipped up in a pinch and has a delicious, savory crunch thanks to the spiced pecans on top.
Why you’ll love this summer salad:
- Quick: Have this ready in only 20-minutes. Great for when you forgot a dish to bring to your friend’s BBQ
- Healthy: This summer salad is filled with healthy, nutritious ingredients that give your body so many benefits
- Versatile: Swap out any of the veggies for whatever you have in your fridge
Ingredient Notes:
Orzo: Orzo is usually found in the pasta section of a grocery store. It’s a form of short-cut pasta shaped like rice and is made from flour. It is generally used for salads or soups but can be substituted for any tiny/small pasta if need be.
Spiced Nuts: For this summer salad recipe I used spiced pecans to add a crunch. Any good salad has a crunch on top! My go-to brand is Sante. They make a ton of different quality nuts in several flavors that can be an easy addition to jazz up a simple salad like this. This is also a great way to add more plant-based protein to any meal (or snack).
How to make a summer salad:
- Cook the orzo according to the instructions on the package.
- Add unsalted butter or olive oil, and season with the salt and any other spices you wish. Allow cooling slightly.
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ALL of the other ingredients.
- Pour the dressing over top and mix to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy!
Expert Tips & FAQ:
How to make a gluten-free summer salad: Make this salad gluten-free by using quinoa or your favorite small-sized pasta instead.
How can I make this salad vegan? Enjoy this by using olive oil and swapping the feta with a desired plant-based substitute.
Storage: Salad can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 – 3 days, and stored with dressing on the side for 5 – 6 days
Other healthy recipes to enjoy:
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Chopped Summer Salad (with Spiced Pecans)
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo cooked
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 ½ cups cucumber diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup feta crumbled
- ½ large avocado diced
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- Juice of ½ large orange
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cracked black pepper
- ½ cup SANTE NUTS SPICED PECANS
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the instructions on the package.
- Add unsalted butter or olive oil, season with the salt and any other spices you wish. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ALL of the other ingredients.
- Pour the dressing overtop and mix to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy!
