Orzo with Tomatoes and Basil

This light refreshing salad tastes even better if you let it sit, making it the perfect “make ahead” side dish.

Orzo with Tomatoes and Basil (Side Dish)

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Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups  chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups  orzo
  • 1 1/2 cups  cups red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved (you can also use heirloom tomatoes, just cut them up into large bite sized pieces)
  • 1/2 cup  chopped fresh basil leaves  (chop just before adding to salad, to prevent basil from turning black)
  • 1/4 cup  chopped fresh mint leaves
  • About 3/4-cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, recipe follows
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup  red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup  fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons  honey
  • 2 teaspoons  salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup  extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Pour the broth into a heavy saucepan, cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. When the broth starts to boil, stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a fine mesh strainer, and then transfer to a large wide bowl. Toss the orzo with a few tablespoons of the red wine vinaigrette.
  • When the orzo has cooled off to room temperature, toss with the beans, tomatoes, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat.
  • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and serve at room temperature.
  • Red Wine Vinaigrette: Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil. Season the vinaigrette, to taste, with more salt and pepper, if desired.

Notes

Inspired by Giada de Laurentiis Orzo Salad recipe
Have you made this recipe?I’d love to know! Leave a comment or recipe rating and tag me @amenuforyou on social media!

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