Orzo & Feta Salad

This is a very refreshing salad to bring to a party or serve at lunchtime. We used to have a grocery store that made an excellent version of this, and the recipe that follows is the inspiration. I also borrowed heavily from a version that Gia DeLaurentis makes. The beauty is you can add or sub in any ingredients you want. For example, there are versions with fresh tomatoes or garbanzo beans – whatever inspires you.

Recipe level: easy

Serves: 6

Time: 20 minutes

You will need:

• 1 1/2 c. orzo
• 4 c. Chicken broth
• 1/4 cup red onion, minced
• 3/4 cup feta
• 1/2 cup sweet pepper, chopped fine
• Sundried tomatoes, chopped fine
• 1/4 c pitted kalamata olives, quartered

For the dressing:

• 1/2 c. Red wine vinegar
• 1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
• 3 tsp honey
• 2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 c. Virgin olive oil
• 1/2 c. fresh basil
• 1/4 c. Fresh mint

Step one:

Boil the chicken broth and add the orzo. Make sure to stir, because orzo can get starchy. Cook for about seven minutes and then drain and set aside.

Step two:

Assemble the dressing and then toss with drained orzo.

Step three:

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.