ITALIAN ORZO SALAD

Italian Orzo Salad image

This light pasta salad is an ideal summer side dish for any potluck or picnic. It's also great for a weeknight dinner. -Cindy Springsteen, Denver, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
1 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
1-3/4 cups (7 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil; add pasta. Return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until pasta is tender, 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, basil, onions and spinach. Drain pasta; add to tomato mixture. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Chill until serving., Just before serving, stir in cheese and pine nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 630mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein.