Mediterranean Orzo Salad

By teresafu

Ingredients

• 1 lb orzo or other small pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine or balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup cucumber, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
• 1 med red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup kalamata olives pitted and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup drained capers (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley or spinach leaves
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• Salt

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil. slightly salt the water and add orzo and cook until al dente 8 mins. Drain well .

While orzo cooks, stir togethr olive oil, vinegar, lemon zest and lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour mixture over the hot orzo and toss. Allow to sit for 5 mins. Stir occasionally.

Add olives, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, parsley and stir well. Season with fresh ground pepper and a pinch of salt. Serve3 warm, cold or at room temp.