ORZO SALAD WITH CHERRY TOMATOES

ORZO SALAD WITH CHERRY TOMATOES image

Yield 8-10

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound orzo
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
1/2 medium English cucumber, seeded and cut into small dice (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
2 tablespoons tightly packed, finely grated lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

INSTRUCTIONS Bring a large saucepan of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large, nonreactive bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, pine nuts, olive oil, basil, parsley, scallions, lemon zest, and lemon juice and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.