Ingredients

Marinade

2 T. Red wine vinegar

2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tiny garlic clove, diced or crushed

8-10 basil leaves, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

1 t. salt

1/8 t. sugar

Salad

1 C. dry orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)

2 small fresh tomatoes, diced

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1 T. capers

1/2 C. feta cheese

2 T. grated Parmesan (fresh or pre-grated)

Optional:

1/2 C Diced roasted read peppers

1/2" minced ginger

1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 C. sliced green or black olives

Anything your imagination invents

Preparation

1.Cook the orzo as per package instructions, I think it’s 8 minutes in salted boiling water.

  1. While orzo is cooking, combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved.

  2. Drain cooked orzo in colander. Rinse with cold water.

  3. Combine Orzo, diced tomatoes, green onions, capers, feta cheese and Parmesan cheese (plus any extra ingredients) along with marinade mixture and toss until fully coated with marinated and ingredients are fully integrated.

Note: if you are adding many optional ingredients, also add 1 or 2 t. more olive oil and vinegar to ensure the salad does not become sticky.