Marinated Veggie-Orzo Salad

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried orzo pasta
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 lemons
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, basil, mint, and/or chives
• 1 medium cucumber, coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ cups small cauliflower florets
• 1 cup radishes, quartered
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• Crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Directions
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again. Place in a large bowl. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Chill, covered, up to 24 hours.

Step 2
Meanwhile, remove zest from one lemon. Juice both lemons. In a large bowl whisk together lemon zest and juice, remaining oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and half the herbs. (Wrap and chill remaining herbs until needed). Add cucumber; mash lightly with a potato masher to release juices. Add asparagus, cauliflower, radishes, and onion. Toss to coat. Chill, covered, up to 24 hours.

Step 3
Add pasta to vegetables. Toss to coat. Top with feta and remaining herbs. Serves 8.