Classic Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup orzo
Garlic vinaigrette (recipe below)
2 ounces feta or mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4-inch cubes
8 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1/4 cup chopped pitted black olives
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup minced basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Cook orzo according to package directions. While the orzo is cooking, prepare garlic vinaigrette.

When orzo is cooked, drain and transfer to large mixing bowl. While it is still warm, toss with garlic vinaigrette. Set aside to cool.

Add cheese, tomatoes, black olives, parsley and basil to orzo and toss to combine well. Taste for seasoning and add salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Serve at room temperature. Recipe makes six to eight servings.

Garlic Vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon vinegar (or part lemon juice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Several grindings of fresh pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
One clove garlic, split in half

In a small mixing bowl, combine vinegar and salt. Stir in several grindings of fresh pepper. Gradually add oil, beating it with a wire whisk. Taste dressing and adjust seasonings. Add pieces of garlic seasonings. Add pieces of garlic to season vinaigrette, but remove before adding vinaigrette to pasta.

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