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Orzo Salad with Green Peas and Artichokes

This pleasant pasta salad is even tastier the second day. Enjoy it as an entrée for six or a side dish for twelve.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6, 1 cup per serving

Ingredients

6 ounces uncooked orzo
3/4 cup pine nuts
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil (about 1 ounce before removing stems) or 2 tablespoons dried, crumbled
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 14.5-ounce can artichoke quarters, drained and cut in half lengthwise
1 7.2-ounce bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1 2.5-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley (Italian, or flat-leaf, preferred) (optional)
2 teaspoons olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the orzo using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil. Pour into a colander and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and cool quickly. Drain well.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, dry-roast the pine nuts over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until just fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from the skillet so they don’t burn.

    Step 3

    In a large bowl, stir together the peas, basil, and vinegar. Add the artichokes, bell peppers, olives, and parsley, tossing well.

    Step 4

    Add the orzo, oil, salt, and pepper to the artichoke mixture, tossing well. Serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to serve chilled.

  2. Time-Saver

    Step 5

    To bring water to a boil quickly, start with hot tap water and cover the pot.

  3. nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 264

    Step 8

    Total Fat: 11.0g

    Step 9

    Saturated: 1.5g

    Step 10

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 11

    Polyunsaturated: 3.5g

    Step 12

    Monounsaturated: 5.0g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 382mg

    Step 15

    Carbohydrates: 35g

    Step 16

    Fiber: 4g

    Step 17

    Sugars: 5g

    Step 18

    Protein: 10g

    Step 19

    Dietary Exchanges

    Step 20

    2 Starch

    Step 21

    1 Vegetable

    Step 22

    1/2 Very Lean Meat

    Step 23

    2 Fat

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