Shelly's Recipe

ORZO AND SMOKED TURKEY SALAD

Category: Pasta Salads

Vinaigrette
1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar OR white wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves, crushed
1/4 tsp black pepper
2/3 cup olive oil

Salad
1 (16 oz.) pkg orzo pasta, cooked, drained
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 - 3/4 lb smoked turkey, cut into 1/4 inch cubes PLUS thin slice turkey for garnish
8-10 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/4 cup coarsely chopped red pepper PLUS red pepper for garnish
2-3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil OR 2 tsp dried basil leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

To prepare Vinaigrette: In small bowl, combine vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, oregano and pepper. Slowly whisk in oil. Set aside. Spray pan with non-stick vegetable pan spray. Line with plastic wrap. In bottom of pan, make stripes of football with thin strips of turkey and lacing with red pepper.

To prepare Salad: In large bowl, coat orzo with olive oil. Add turkey, mozzarella cheese, red pepper, parmesan cheese, basil, salt and pepper. Stir in vinaigrette. Pack mixture into prepared pan. Cover with plastic warp. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. (It is best to prepare this salad one day in advance.) When ready to serve, invert onto serving tray. Serves 8