Orzo Pasta Salad

While on the phone chatting away with an old friend, she noted how much she missed my cooking...especially her favorite Orzo pasta salad.  After reminiscing our cooking time together, I felt inspired to make the famous Orzo pasta dish for dinner tonight!

Ingredients:

• 1 box whole wheat Orzo pasta
• olive oil
• 1/2 sweet onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 gloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 large tomato (diced)
• Spices of your choice (I usually use ~1 T. basil, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. thyme, salt, and pepper)
• 1/2 c. chopped fresh mozzarella
• Optional: roasted red peppers, roasted artichokes

Directions:

1. Cook Orzo pasta and set aside - season with salt and pepper and add some olive oil when done
2. Coat skillet with olive oil and warm on low-medium heat
3. Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown
4. Add tomatoes and spices and cook on low/medium heat for ~5-10 min
5. Add mixture to pasta and stir well
6. Stir in fresh mozzarella
7. Top with fresh basil for a finishing touch

Serve with grilled chicken and some veggies for a full meal.  Also, a great dish to chill and eat cold tomorrow.  Enjoy!