Shelly's Recipe

MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD

Category: Pasta Salads

Salad
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 (2 1/4 oz) can sliced ripe olives, rinsed and drained
Fresh basil leaves or parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Dressing
1 (1 oz) packet Ranch salad dressing & seasoning mix
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp sugar

Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Mix orzo, bell pepper, cheese, olives, and chopped fresh basil in a large bowl. Whisk together salad dressing & seasoning mix, oil, vinegar, and sugar. Stir dressing into orzo mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Garnish with basil leaves before serving, if desired.