Orzo with Basil and Veggies

Orzo Pasta

with Basil & Veggies

by Terri Edwards

Photo by Terri Edwards

This colorful Orzo Pasta Salad is nutritious, filling, and can be made in about 20 minutes. It’s loaded with green peas, tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic Dijon dressing that is absolutely delicious!

Makes 4 servings | Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 oz orzo pasta, I use whole wheat • 1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced • 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed • 1 Tablespoon basil, fresh or dry • 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or pine nuts (optional) • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1) Cook orzo pasta according to package directions by boiling in water on the stovetop for approximately 9-minutes.

Drain and run under cool water in a colander to stop the cooking process. 2) While the orzo is cooking, defrost the frozen green peas by placing them in a colander and running warm water over them. Set them to the side. 3) Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and mince fresh basil if using it. Dried basil is also a good choice for this recipe. I sometimes add a combination of both dried and fresh basil. 4) Next, you'll want to whisk up the simple dressing that only takes about a minute.

Simply whisk together balsamic vinegar,

Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a small bowl. 5) In a large bowl, add the balsamic dressing to the cooked orzo, tomatoes, green peas, spices, and basil. Mix together well and toss in a few pine nuts or sesame seeds and a little salt and pepper. Serve immediately or chill first. 6) I like to add fresh spinach leaves. Or you can stuff the spread into endive or other lettuce leaf and serve for a beautiful and delicious appetizer!

Note:

This salad also makes a great dip. Serve with cut-up veggies, crackers, or pita chips. Best eaten the day it is made because it will turn brown due to the avocado.