NIçOISE ORZO SALAD

Niçoise Orzo Salad image

Yield Serves 4 to 6 as a main course

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup (about 1/2 pound) orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
1/2 pound green beans, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces
For dressing
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 anchovies, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
a 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
a 6- to 7-ounce can tuna, drained
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives if desired, chopped
2 cups chopped arugula, washed and spun dry

Steps:

In a large saucepan of salted boiling water cook orzo until tender and drain in a colander. Rinse orzo well under cold water and drain well. Transfer orzo to a large bowl.
In a small saucepan of salted boiling water cook beans until crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain beans and add to orzo.
Make dressing:
In a blender blend together vinegar, lemon juice, anchovies, mustard, and garlic paste. With motor running add oil in a stream and blend until emulsified.
Add dressing to orzo mixture with artichokes, tuna, bell pepper, onion, thyme, olives, and salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Salad may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before proceeding.
Add arugula and toss well