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Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad





Yields
Makes 4 to 6 light-entrée servings or 8 to 10 side-dish servings

Notes: Serve this warm salad as a main dish for a light lunch or as a dinner companion to grilled steak, chicken, or fish. For a casual appetizer, scoop spoonfuls of the salad into large leaves of fresh sweet basil.

Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad




James Carrier
 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta
 1 1/4 pounds firm-ripe tomatoes, at room temperature
 3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
 1 or 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  About 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  Salt and pepper
Step 1
1

In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, rinse and core tomatoes; chop and place in a large bowl. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar; mix gently.

Step 3
3

Drain pasta well and add to tomato mixture. Mix, adding parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

Amount per serving
Calories255
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g12%

Saturated Fat 1.8g9%
Cholesterol 2.6mg1%
Sodium 74mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 37g14%

Dietary Fiber 2.6g10%
Protein 7.8g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.