Tomato & Mozzarella Orzo Salad

I'm very excited to be writing my first post from California! The past couple of weeks have been absolutely hectic - planning a 3,000 mile move is very time consuming. I'm happy to report that we are so close to being officially moved in! Only a few more things need to find a place, and we're good to go. 

Before we left Washington D.C., we had a few friends over to see them one last time before heading West. I kept the menu rather simple - here it is:

Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Tomato & Mozzarella Orzo Salad
Watermelon
Pickles
Cheese & Crackers
Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Brownies
Beer & Wine (like it needed to be said...) :)

Lucky for you, I'm sharing the orzo salad recipe today! It's SUPER simple, very fresh and completely delicious. I encourage you to try it out!


Tomato & Mozzarella Orzo Salad
Source: Lorie Cooks...Or Tries To

Ingredients:

8 oz. uncooked orzo
4 oz. mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
6-8 basil leaves, julienned - I used dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice - I used about one full lemon
1 tsp salt
a few cranks of cracked black pepper

Directions:

Cook orzo according to package instructions. Drain and allow to cool.

Mix up olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and basil in a small dish. Pour over cooled pasta and stir to coat. Fold in cheese and tomatoes. Serve cold. 

Yield: 4-6 servings