Farmers Market Orzo Salad

Name: Farmers Market Orzo Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta; 2 small yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise; 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise; 1 medium red onion, quartered; 8 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes; 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise; 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We like to use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses like mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
2 small yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 medium red onion, quartered
8 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
3 tablespoons lemon juice
8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions

Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Brush yellow squash, zucchini and onion with 2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Grill vegetables, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 10-12 minutes or until lightly charred and tender, turning once. Cool slightly. Cut into 1-in. pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and remaining oil until blended. In a large bowl, combine orzo, grilled vegetables, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and remaining salt and pepper. Add dressing; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts.