Shelly's Recipe

GREEK ORZO SALAD

Category: Salad

1 lb orzo pasta (rice shaped pasta)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 cup red onion (about half of a large onion), finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 to 1/2 lb salami, diced
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 lb crumbled feta cheese

Fill a large pot with water, add salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl.

Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well. Allow to cool slightly and add all of the remaining ingredients except for the feta cheese. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully.

Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings before serving.