What's for dinner?

Mediterranean Orzo Salad

1 lb orzo, cooked according to package directions
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 or 2 cloves finely minced garlic (I LOVE the little frozen cubes from Trader Joes's... just sayin')
1 hand full grated Parmesan cheese (don't buy that crap in the green can! You know what I mean. Get the real stuff)
2-3 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (if they are super leathery, rehydrate in hot water first). Dry or oil packed is fine
1 can artichoke hearts, sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced (if you use the cheap kind in the can, just don't tell me about it)
1/4 cup capers
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley (if you don't have fresh, skip it)
1 Tbsp dry basil flakes or 2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped up small
1 Tbsp dry oregano or marjoram flakes, or 2 Tbsp fresh leaves chopped up small
1 tsp dry thyme leaves, or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste (preferably fresh ground sea salt and freshly cracked pepper)
Trader Joe's frozen garlic cubes- these things rock!




optional:
1/2 can chick peas, drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped chicken breast, cooked please
steamed broccoli
roasted eggplant
etc. This list is only limited by your imagination


Combine all ingredients and allow to sit up to an hour at room temp for flavors to blend. Can be made a few days ahead and kept for later use, in the refrigerator of course!


Serve with a nice crunchy salad and some hot toasty garlic bread. YUM.

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