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–+ servings

Lemon Orzo Salad

This light and bright pasta salad combines grilled tomatoes and artichoke hearts with fresh raw arugula and basil for an elegant summer pasta salad.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, lunch, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (1 for grilling, 6 for salad)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 4 cups orzo (I used multi colored orzo)
  • 1.5 pounds fresh tomatoes (I used a small heirloom mix) cut in half (can use canned if fresh unavailable, but will change the flavor)
  • 2 12 oz jars of artichoke hearts, drained and cut in half
  • 2 grilled or baked seasoned chicken breasts, cut into cubes (optional)
  • zest of one lemon (make sure to clean lemon before zesting)
  • 1 handful of arugula

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large stock pot with enough water to cook 4 cups of orzo. Salt generously and bring to a boil. Add in orzo, and cook until done according to package. (usually around 15 minutes).
  • While orzo is cooking, heat a grill pan or saute pan over high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place halved artichoke hearts flat side down on grill pan and grill until slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
  • Now grill your tomatoes: add halved tomatoes to grill pan and grill until very hot, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl.
  • Drain the orzo and transfer to same bowl as tomatoes and artichoke hearts. Toss with 6 TBSP of olive oil and 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
  • Now add your arugula, basil and lemon zest. Add cooked chicken if adding a protein. Stir to combine. Taste pasta and add salt/pepper/lemon juice to taste (I did not add any salt or pepper, but that is my own taste).
  • This lemon pasta salad can be served immediately, or can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in a Tupperware or a bowl with plastic wrap over the top. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips: 
  • If you are not vegan or vegetarian, seasoned grilled chicken goes great with this dish.  I seasoned my chicken with a lemon pepper seasoning that went perfectly with the lemon of the pasta salad.  
  • You may choose to add more/less olive oil or lemon; that is fine!!!  It will depend on your taste and the specific orzo you purchase, as some orzo's are more robust than others.  I recommend adding a little at a time and taste testing until desired flavor is reached.  
Keyword arugula, basil, bright, Chicken, crushed tomatoes, grilled, grilled vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, lemon, light, olive oil, summer, vegan, vegetarian
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