Tri-Colore Orzo

Submitted by Kim12469

"Giada De Laurentiis recipe that is awesome. I made this to take camping and add to a potluck. It was so easy and it keeps so well. I use a Spring Mix instead of Arugula and use whole wheat orzo. I make big batches and take it for lunch at work."

 

• Ready In: 25mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 lb orzo pasta
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups fresh arugula (about 3 ounces)
• 3⁄4 cup crumbled ricotta salata (or feta cheese)
• 1⁄2 cup dried cherries
• 12 fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1⁄4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain pasta and put the pasta on a large cookie sheet.
3. Drizzle the pasta with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss, spread out, and set aside to cool.
4. Once the orzo is cool, transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss gently to combine. Serve.
5. Prep time doesn't include cooling time for orzo but it does cool rather quickly.

Reviews

[Orbit]

This is a delicious recipe. I was impressed how the leftovers held up in the fridge. The ricotta salata is a fantastic taste in it, next time I plan to add extra.

 

[januarybride]

Yep. . .perfection, just as I suspected. Great balance of flavors. I used arugula and it gives the dish a slight zip. Also loved the faint taste of basil in the background. A great dish that would be fun for Christmas given the colors! FYI. . .it is just as good on day 2 and day 3.

 

[pittgal]

This is a great summer salad! Delicious and a nice twist on traditional pasta salad. I highly recommend the ricotta salata if you can find it.

 

[ldsmomcooks]

This recipe is truley a sensuos experience! I wouldn't dream of subbing the arugula for anything, that is what gives it all it's life! This has all the flavor and feeling of a five star resturaunt. I will make this often!