Healthy Orzo Salad




INGREDIENTS
· 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta

· 2.5 cups chopped bell pepper (any color) 

· 1 cup cherry tomatoes 

· 1/4 cup chopped green onion 

· Fresh cilantro to garnish 

· optional tortilla chips for serving 

CILANTRO LIME DRESSING 

· 2 limes, juiced 

· 1/4 cup avocado oil (or light olive oil) 

· 1 TBSP white wine vinegar

· 1/2 tsp sea salt 

· 1/4 tsp garlic powder 

· 1/8 tsp cumin 

· 1/8 tsp paprika 

· 1/8 tsp black pepper 

· 2 TBSP chopped fresh cilantro 

ITALIAN-STYLE DRESSING 

· 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

· 1/4 cup white wine or champagne vinegar 

· 1 TBSP Mrs Dash Italian seasoning blend 

· 1/2 TBSP garlic powder 

· 1/4 tsp salt 

· freshly ground black pepper to taste


Instructions
· Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 cups dry orzo pasta and a pinch of salt and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water (I do this using a fine mesh sieve, easy peasy!) to halt the cooking process. Add pasta to a large bowl and set aside. 

· While your noodles cook, chop your veggies and make the dressing. 

· I paired this salad with fresh cilantro and my go-to cilantro lime dressing. Not a fan of cilantro? Skip it entirely and opt for the Italian dressing recipe above! To make the dressing, combine ingredients in a lidded jar and shake vigorously to emulsify. Allow to sit while you toss together your salad, then shake again before serving. 

· Add all your veggies to the orzo with the dressing and mix well. Salad may be enjoyed right away (room temperature) or chilled briefly before serving. Both options are delicious!

RECIPE NOTES
· Feel free to top with any of your favorite pasta salad extras if you'd like! Some may like to add feta, olives, or even chickpeas to the mix. Have fun with it and be sure to let me know what deliciousness you cook up!

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