SICILIAN ORZO SALAD

Sicilian Orzo Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Kosher salt
12 ounces orzo
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced, plus 1/2 cup roughly chopped leaves
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 cup roughly chopped pitted black olives, such as kalamata
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley or mint (or a combination)
1 3.75-ounce can oil-packed sardines or one 5-ounce can oil-packed tuna (preferably Italian), drained and flaked
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup grated ricotta salata cheese (2 ounces)

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook as the label directs, adding the celery slices during the last 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Set aside. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add the olives and red pepper flakes; stir to combine. Stir in the orzo and celery slices along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook, stirring, until the water is mostly absorbed and the pasta is coated, adding more pasta cooking water if needed, about 2 minutes. Stir in the celery leaves, herbs and sardines; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle each serving with olive oil and top with the toasted pine nuts and cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639 calorie, Fat 31 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Cholesterol 45 milligrams, Sodium 316 milligrams, Carbohydrate 67 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams