Foodie Blogroll

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Orzo Pasta Salad

Here is a quick and tasty pasta salad that I like to make and bring for my lunch. I usually just use what I have on hand. The black olives are easy enough to keep handy. I never like the pasta salads with vinegar, so I use lemon juice, which is another thing I always have. My lemons are in season now on my tree, and I will buy one every time I am at the store when they are not. I use a good tasting olive oil, I have a little market where I get my gas that has a really good Greek olive oil! In this one I added a little pumpkin seed oil, which is why it looks a little more green. I have been trying to use this oil in different dishes, still trying to figure out how is the best way to use it.

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz Orzo (rice shaped pasta) or any small shaped pasta
4 oz feta cheese
1/4 cup good olive oil
3 T lemon juice
1 tsp marjarom
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dill
fresh spinach leaves julienned
sliced ripe olives
edamame
toasted chopped walnuts (or any nuts of your choice)

DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta according to the directions on the package, drain and cool. Transfer to a large bowl, add other ingredients and mix.
Of course you can add or omit what ever you like.

14 comments:

  1. I think this going to be perfect for my after new year diet! haha... It's such a healthy and hearty kind of meal. I think I'm going to get busy starting tomorrow. I'm celebrating the Chinese New Year on the 14th February! And I've got some steam goodies need to be done in a minute. So, see ya!

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  2. This dish is a texture heaven! So healthy too!

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  3. This looks healthy and delicious! Love that you added edamame and walnuts.

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  4. I love the use of salty olives in this recipe. Lemon trees? I'm so jealous! Thanks for sharing.

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  5. c est une bonne salade j adore les pâtes je note
    bonne soiree

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  6. Colorful..I can't agree with you more on vinegar..I replace it with lemon juice wherever possible too :-)pumpkin seed oil sounds interesting, never tried it before

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  7. Kristy - You are funny! I have seen all those baked goods you've been posting! Have a nice weekend and Happy Chinese New Year!

    3HT, Rachana Kothari, TKW this kind of healthy is fun, especially when you can add different textures and a few things you really like.

    Tammy - Thanks...or you're welcome. My lemon tree isn't doing as well this year as it usually does. We are having an unusually cold winter for Florida. The olives do add a nice touch!

    Fimère - thank you!

    Gulmohar - The pumpkin seed oil is from Austria, I guess they use it in many things. It's supposed to be very good for you too. It has a very deep, rich color, and a good flavor.

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  8. Oui, c'est une bonne salad! Yes, I agree :) Lots of great recipes here on your blog. Great pictures too. Thank you for visiting my blog today.

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  9. Lyndsey this look abslutely yummy, my tipe of salad; je,je, Have a happ y amd nice day tomorrow, gloria

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  10. I cooked orzo only once - I did not enjoy it, but your recipe makes me want to try again!

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  11. love this great lunch

    happy valentines love Rebecca

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  12. I love orzo salads!!I have a recipe that is a staple at my parties! That looks delicious!

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  13. I like lemon on my pasta salads too. Looks great...and love the added nuts, edamame and black olives. I often add black olives to mine, but never thought of nuts. Great light and healthy salad for lunch!

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