Orzo-Bell Pepper Salad

Prep Time: 0 Minutes

Cook Time: 0 Minutes

Ready In: 0 Minutes

Servings: 4

Blanching the bell peppers for a few seconds tenderizes them while maintaining their delightful crunch. The marinated cheese provides a shortcut for adding more flavor.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 1/2 teaspoons extravirgin olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup uncooked orzo (rice-shaped pasta)

1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/3 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

1/3 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper

1 cup finely chopped tomato

1/2 cup (2 ounces) diced fresh marinated mozzarella cheese (such as cappiello)

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives

Directions:

1. To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients, stirring with a whisk.
2. To prepare salad, cook pasta in boiling water 6 minutes or until al dente. Add bell peppers to pasta in pan; cook 10 seconds. Drain. Combine pasta mixture and half of dressing in a large bowl; cool mixture to room temperature. Add remaining dressing, tomato, and remaining ingredients; toss gently to coat. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.

By RecipeOfHealth.com