Orzo Pasta Salad

Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 10 min.

Pasta Salad always seems like that dish you ask your friend who "tries really hard" in the kitchen to bring to the cookout.  And for some reason it's always more processed deli meat than salad.  

I have a couple of rules for my pasta salad: Be more salad than meat-fest, and for the love of god, no spaghetti noodles!

Ingredients

• 1 Box Orzo Pasta
• 1 Cup Diced Celery
• 1 Cup Diced Carrots
• 1 Cup Diced Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Parlsey
• 1/4 Cup Diced Ham
• 1/4 Cup Hormel Mini Pepperoni
• 1/2 Cup Italian Dressing (Try my Recipe here)
• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Romano Cheese
• 1 Tsp. Ground Thyme
• 1 Tbsp. White Vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• Salt to taste
• Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.  Drain immediately, reserving 2-3 Tbsp. of the cooking water.  Immediately chill pasta for 30 min.
   1. Make sure to liberally salt your pasta water, pasta needs salt to be delicious!
2. Dice Carrots, Celery, Tomatoes and Parsley (preferably a 1/4" dice) and set aside
3. Combine Italian Dressing, Olive Oil and Vinegar and set aside.
4. Once the pasta is completely chilled, add ham, pepperoni, diced vegetables, and dressing and toss to coat.
5. Add pepper to taste.  Only add salt after tasting the pasta!  If your water was salty enough, no more salt is needed.
6. Keep chilled until ready to serve.  Just before serving sprinkle cheese on top.

Enjoy!

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Sulli Says: I like to add microgreens like pea shoots or radish shoots when available. It’s an easy way to add some extra crunch, and pack in nutrients!

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