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Orzo Salad w/Currants, Olives & Pine Nuts

Source of Recipe

Marsha


Recipe Introduction

I made this salad for the Christmas party I went to although I doubled it. I also couldn't find any basil or orzo, so I subbed in some fresh parlsey and pesto, and 12 oz. of very small round pasta for the orzo. It had great reviews!

List of Ingredients

8 ounces orzo
1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
2 green onions, chopped

--Dressing
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, packed
2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup olive oil


Recipe

Boil orzo in salted water for about 10-12 minutes (consult package for optimum timing). Drain, return to pan and stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil so grains don’t stick together. Add olives, currants, pine nuts and green onion and stir.

While orzo is cooking, make dressing. In blender, combine garlic, basil, lemon juice, vinegar, curry powder, cumin, sugar and a few grindings of fresh black pepper. Whirl for a few seconds, then add oil and blend until well combined, about 1 minute.

Add dressing to orzo mixture and stir well to combine. Serve salad at room temperature.