Tomato Orzo Salad

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta
• 1 lb ripe bite sized tomatoes, at room temperature
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaf
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot large enough to cook the orzo pasta. Add the orzo and cook for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Rinse the tomatoes, chop the red onion, yellow pepper and the basil and place into a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and fresh ground pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss to combine. Add the orzo, and toss together.
5. You can either eat the salad at room temperature or you can refrigerate and eat chilled.