Orzo Salad - Middle Eastern Style

If you love Tabbouleh, you'll surely recognize this list of ingredients! This is a new take on an old favorite. Be sure to use a good olive oil. It goes great with grilled meats of any kind.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 lb orzo pasta
• 1 1⁄2 lbs tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1  large cucumber, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 6  scallions, including green tops, chopped
• 1  cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 6  tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped
• 5  tablespoons lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3⁄4 cup olive oil

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the orzo until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain. Rinse wih cold water and drain thoroughly.
2. Combine with the tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, parsley and mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice iwth the salt and pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.