Lemon Garlic Orzo Salad with Farmers' Market Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs

Serving Size:  4-6

Ingredients:

1 lb. Pappardelle’s Lemon Garlic Orzo
2 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar
Juice from 1 lemon
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1-1/4 pounds heirloom tomatoes (or other fresh tomatoes), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup green onions, chopped*
1 clove garlic, finely minced*
1/2 cup black or green olives (oil-cured, pitted and sliced)*
1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

*Or use 1/4 cup Pappardelle's Traditional Basil Pesto and cut back olive oil to 1/4 cup

Instructions: 

  1. Cook orzo in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water until done, about 12 minutes. Drain, transfer to a medium bowl, and chill in the refrigerator.
  2. Whisk vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil. Pour dressing over orzo. Mix in remaining ingredients. (-Or- *Use ¼ cup Pappardelle’s (7 oz.) Traditional Basil Pesto in place of "*" items and cut back olive oil to ¼ cup.) Season to taste with salt and pepper. Can be made 2 hours ahead. Mix well before serving.