Sun Dried Tomato + Garbanzo Bean Salad with Orzo + Lemon Tahini Dressing

Since when does a salad need to start with greens? I'm here to change that - orzo creates a great base without being overly heavy + the garbanzo beans add in great texture + flavor. Fresh herbs - like my favorite basil + oregano give you the greens you want, sauteed shallots + fabulous sun-dried tomatoes - basically they speak for themselves.

It's heaven in a bowl! It's a great combination - with texture, colors + fresh flavors.

The Lemon Tahini Dressing - it super creamy (add more water to thin it out) + full of TANG! It's the perfect tang without feeling like you bit into a lemon - because the maple syrup mellows it out + gives you a hint of sweetness you need!

This is fabulous made a head of time - let sit at room temperature until you serve it. Patio, deck, bench, tailgate - eat it anywhere outside!

Let's make it!

Sun Dried Tomato + Garbanzo Bean Salad with Orzo + Lemon Tahini Dressing

1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (take the oil from the jar of tomatoes)

1 large shallot, sliced

2 garlic cloves, sliced

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

1 1/2 cup cooked orzo

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (soaked in oil)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, whole

1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, whole

zest from 1 lemon

1/2 cup Lemon Tahini Dressing (Recipe below)

Heat a small sauce pan over medium high heat. Add in the sun-dried tomato oil + shallot. Saute until the shallots are cooked, translucent + softened. Add in the garlic + drained garbanzo beans. Stir to combine + cook for 1 minutes. Turn the heat off to let cook.

In a serving bowl combine all the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. Drizzle the dressing over the top at the end - serve more table side for extra sauce + tang!

Enjoy!

Lemon Tahini Dressing

inspired from the Minimalist Baker

1/3 cup tahini - stir to combine all the natural oils first, before measuring

Juice from 1 lemon

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon real high quality maple syrup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large pinch sea salt

1 garlic clove, minced

2-3 tablespoons hot water (you may need to add more if it thickens up too much)

In a glass jar with a lid, combine all the ingredients. Put a lid on the jar + shake up to combine. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon more of hot water to the mix. Continue to do this until it reached your desired consistency.

Store in this container for up to 1 week.