Lemon, Tomato, and Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

    I'm always thinking of new ideas to make for us for dinner as either a main dish or a side dish.  Since we are on the go a lot with baseball, many of our meals have to be quick, easy, and transportable (if that's even a word).  I was able to use both fresh basil and tomatoes from our garden to make this salad.  It was delicious and a great accompaniment to our sub sandwiches.  I'd serve this with hot dogs, burgers, and as a great side for your BBQ cookout.  

    This salad is a blank canvas.  Feel free to add grilled chicken, broccoli, mozzarella, sausage, or anything else you'd put in a pasta dish.  This would also be great served warm.  This is definitely something to make in advance if you are serving it cold.  After making it, put it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Ingredients:

• 1 box orzo pasta cooked to package directions
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 1 heaping cup shredded basil
• 5 to 6 large cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.  Be sure to season the water with salt before dropping the pasta.  You will need to reserve 1/2 c. of the pasta water before draining for the dressing.
2. While the orzo is cooking, zest the lemon into a large bowl.  Juice the lemon into the bowl, being careful not to drop any seeds into the bowl.  Whisk in the olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add reserved pasta water to the dressing.  Whisk.  It will seem watery, but the orzo will absorb the dressing.  Drain the pasta.  Set aside to cool.  Once the orzo has cooled down slightly, add it to the large bowl with tomatoes and basil.  Serve immediately or set in the fridge until you are ready to serve.  Enjoy!