Herbed Orzo Salad

By ally_2413

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz pkg orzo
• 3 tbl olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 tbl packed, thinly sliced,
• fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 c. lightly toasted pine nuts
• 2 tbl packed, thinly sliced, fresh
• flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• For variety: cherry tomatoes, fresh sugar snap pea pods, diced red onion, steamed asparagus tips, blanched broccoli or cauliflower flourettes, julienned zucchini or yellow squash, or sliced green onion.

Preparation

Step 1

Several hrs before serving, in a 4-qt saucepan, cook the orzo following the pkg instructions.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the oil and garlic over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 min or until the garlic slices are browned. Remove and discard the garlic slices, and set the garlic-flavored oil aside.
Return the orzo to the same saucepan. Set aside aobut 1 tsp of the sliced basil leaves. Add the remaining basil, the garlic-flavored oil, pine nuts, parsley, salt and pepper. Toss the salad gently to combine.
Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl and cool to room temp. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tsp basil and cover and refrigerate until cold-at least 1 hr.