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Before diving into the preparation of this delicious salad, it’s essential to understand the star ingredient: orzo pasta. Often mistaken for rice due to its shape, orzo is a type of pasta that belongs to the family of pastas known as "pastina." Originating from Italy, the name "orzo" means "barley" in Italian, referencing its grain-like appearance.

Chilled Orzo Salad with Tomato

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this Refreshing Chilled Orzo Salad featuring juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil. Perfect for picnics or light lunches, this salad combines tender orzo with crunchy fresh vegetables, kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, it's a nutritious dish that is both satisfying and easy to make. Celebrate the season with this delightful recipe that promises to impress friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Orzo: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually taking about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set the orzo aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Dressing: While the orzo is cooling, take a small mixing bowl and combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well emulsified and the dressing is smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed before setting it aside.

      Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped basil, sliced kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Using a spatula, gently toss the ingredients together until evenly mixed, being careful not to break up the feta too much.

        Add the Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the orzo salad. Gently toss the salad again to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

          Chill and Allow Flavors to Combine: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes, as this time will help the flavors meld beautifully.

            Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve this delightful salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4