Name: Orzo, Pepper and Basil Salad
Ingredients: 1 cup dried orzo; Kosher salt and pepper; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup diced red onion; 2 large red (yellow or orange bell peppers, grilled with their skin on, cored, seeded and chopped into ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups)); 1 fresh thyme sprig; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 12 greek olives pitted and cut into thirds; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish); 4 ounces goat cheese cheese crumbles

Orzo, Pepper and Basil Salad

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Course Salad

Servings

Ingredients

1 cup dried orzo
Kosher salt and pepper
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup diced red onion
2 large red yellow or orange bell peppers, grilled with their skin on, cored, seeded and chopped into ½-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 tablespoon minced garlic
12 greek olives pitted and cut into thirds
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
4 ounces goat cheese cheese crumbles

Instructions

Cook orzo in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, pressing out excess liquid. Spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
Grill peppers and seed and chop into a half-inch dice
Add olive oil to a skillet
Add thyme, garlic and season with salt and pepper, and cook for one minute
Add the reserved pasta water and stir to combine
Add cooled orzo, to a bowl with lemon juice, prepared dressing, chopped peppers, olives, chopped basil, and goat cheese crumbles. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Mix well, then transfer to a large serving bowl or platter. Garnish with more basil.

Notes

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