A Light And Delicious Orzo Pasta Salad

This orzo pasta salad is incredibly simple and quick to make but makes a really lovely light lunch or party dish. If you are not familiar with orzo, it is a tiny rice-shaped pasta which is perfect for salads.

Ingredients:

250g/9oz orzo pasta
150g/5oz broccoli florets
5 tablespoons of pine nuts
150g/5oz feta cheese
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
handful of fresh basil

Method

1. I find it easiest to cook the orzo and broccoli together in one pot.  To do this, cook the orzo according to the instructions on the packet.  About 4 minutes before it's due to be ready, add the broccoli to the pot.   Both the broccoli and orzo should be just tender and still al dente.  Rinse with plenty of cold water and drain thoroughly.  Cut any larger pieces of broccoli so that they are bite-sized.

2. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them.  They burn easily.  Allow to cool.

3. Next make the dressing.  Chop the basil finely, reserving a few leaves for the salad. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil and chopped basil together in a small bowl with some seasoning.

4. Put the orzo and broccoli in a large bowl.  Toss in the pine nuts, spring onions and reserved basil.  Crumble in the feta and pour over the dressing. Mix well, check the seasoning and serve.

 

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