One of the biggest obstacles to maintaining a healthy lifestyle change is “we have nothing in the house” syndrome.

It’s amazing how I manage to spend all my damn money on food for all these damn people, and yet we still have nothing in the house?

Our cupboards are jammed full and messy, and everywhere I turn I feel like we’re one box of cereal away from being on an episode of Hoarders, but still- we have nothing in the house!

I smell bullshit.

In all my grownup glory, I’ve found the best antidote for “I have nothing in the house” syndrome is to have an amazing basics pantry stacked with simple basic things you can combine to make pretty much anything!

#adultingAF

Orzo Greek Salad

When I made this salad, I was in a position of having “nothing to eat” ( in brackets because this is more a state of mind than a reality) and wanted to figure out something that would be quick and easy.

We had some orzo in the cupboard, and I figured that trying to make this into a quick and easy salad would also use up some of the prepped veggies that we had in the fridge.

If you have oil, lemon/lime juice and seasonings or spice blends, then you will never be lacking a homemade dressing. We have completely quit buying store bought dressings because a.) they are expensive and full of things we don’t recognize and b.) they expire quickly which is a huge waste of money.

If I’m gonna waste my money, I want it to be wasted on gin and artisan breads- not on sacrificing a jar of expired Ranch to the sink Gods.

The Recipe

This turned out really great, and I easily had all the ingredients on hand. I almost always have tomatoes, onion and bell peppers prepped because of the versatility of these items. I had cucumbers because I often make tsaziki, and it is currently one of the only things my 3 year old will eat.

You might notice I didn’t use Feta cheese, which is traditionally a major component of Greek Salad. This is because I rarely ever have it in my house, and I generally try and make recipes using only the things I usually have on hand.

If there is one thing I want y’all to know, it’s just how simple it can be to eat healthy by using the shit you already know and love!

However if you have the cheese, or think it’s blasphemy to make it without, or even if you just want the cheese then by all means add it! And if you make this, please let us know how it went in the comments!

Orzo Greek Salad Instructions

This salad is a more filling alternative to traditional Greek salad. Works on its own as a healthy lunch, or as a dinnertime side dish. Works best as a quick dish if you prep your veggies beforehand.

Orzo Greek Salad

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Cooked Orzo
• 1/2 Cucumber Chopped into cubes (approx 1 cup)
• 1 cup Bell Peppers Cubed (handy to always have these prepped and ready to go)
• 1 cup Cherry, grape or Marzano Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup Diced Red Onion
• Crumbled Feta Cheese *Optional*

Salad Dressing

• 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp olive oil (Can use up to 1 tbsp. but I always tend to use less oil)
• 1 Tbsp Greek Seasoning Blend

Instructions

Dressing

1. Take the lemon juice, oil and greek spice and mix in a bowl. Set aside to add to the salad.

Salad

1. Cook orzo according to directions and rinse with cold water. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut your veggies if they are not already prepped and ready to go.
3. Add the veggies and the orzo to a bowl and mix to combine.
4. Top with dressing and enjoy!

Notes

We did not use feta cheese as it is not something we usually have in the house, but to make this a more traditional Greek salad, top with Feta.