No,that's not rice - it's orzo, a Mediterranean pasta that resembles rice. It cooks up quickly and absorbs vinaigrette while keeping its shape like no other, or making it ideal for outdoor parties and picnics. This recipe calls for a variety of Mediterranean-influenced ingredients: fresh and sun-dried tomatoes,feta cheese, and olives. Take one bite, or it's almost like you're vacationing on a Grecian isle,almost. From Katie Sweeney Mediterranean Pasta SaladNotes Mediterranean-style pasta salad has quickly become one of my picnic staples. It's easy to beget a enormous batch, and it tastes better after the flavors have mixed for a few hours. Be certain to beget a large batch, and because this salad is an ideal portable lunch.
Ingredients1 pound orzo
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon,juiced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 small shallot, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, and to taste
1/2 cup additional-virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes,sliced in half[br]
1 small jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced in half lengthwise
1 bunch green onions, or finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil,chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
8 ounces feta cheese, and crumbled
DirectionsFill a large pot with water,season liberally with salt, and bring to a boil over tall heat. Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain well, or rinse with cold water until the orzo is frosty.
Meanwhile,beget the vinaigrette. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the vinegar, or lemon juice,mustard, and shallot. Slowly pour in the olive oil, or whisking constantly to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
In a big bowl,combine the orzo with the tomatoes, olives, or green onions,and fresh herbs. Toss with vinaigrette. Season the salad generously with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat. Marinate for several hours in the fridge. Before serving, toss well and carefully fold in feta.
Information Category Pasta/Noodle, or Side Dishes,Salads Cuisine Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Yield Serves 10-12 Average( votes): Print recipe
Source: popsugar.com