Orzo Salad

How often do you make recipes from blogs? Although I read a lot of food blogs, I rarely follow recipes I’ve found on them. I read food blogs more to follow the people than the recipes. Every blogger has their own story to tell, and a style they use to tell it. My favourite blogs are the ones that engage me, the ones that give the impression I’m actually getting to know the author. Pretty pictures help too.

That’s not to say I only read blogs for the articles. The recipes inspire me. Sometimes I’ll see a blogger use an ingredient in a way I had never considered, which makes me think of other innovative things to try in the kitchen.

Other times I’m inspired by the simplicity of a recipe. This salad was inspired by a very simple pasta dish by Paula of bell’alimento. Her recipe got me thinking that pasta is the perfect showcase for some of my favourite summer ingredients.

This dish is comes together very quickly, but is still full of flavour, especially if you use fresh summer produce.

Orzo Salad

1 cup orzo
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 plum tomatoes, diced
1 green pepper
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
zest of 1 lemon
chives, chopped

In a large pot, cook the orzo according to the package instructions.
While the orzo is cooking, in a large sautee pan heat the olive oil on medium. Add the minced garlic to the oil. Once you can smell the garlic, add the tomatoes, pepper and olives. Sautee for two to three minutes; the peppers should remain crisp.
Strain the cooked pasta, pour into a serving bowl then add the tomato mixture. Toss with the lemon zest and chives.

Enjoy!

9 thoughts on “Orzo Salad”

Ah, I’m tickled that my pasta inspired this beautiful dish. It’s perfect for summertime. xoxo

This is summer in a bowl! I’m going to Paula’s site, too! Thanks, Lynn!

thanks for recipe.. looks delicious .. want to try that one ..

I just found orzo pasta at the store! Your salad looks fabulous and so easy to make. Perfect summer dish.

Reading recipes can be so powerful, and it’s definitely something I need to spend more time doing. I read your recipe (!) and I love the simplicity of it and the small number of ingredients you combined to make such a beautiful dish.