Niçoise-Style Orzo Salad

• Recipe by Todd Slossberg

Ingredients

1. 1/2 pound orzo
2. 1/2 cup Niçoise olives, pitted
3. 1/2 cup pear or cherry tomatoes
4. 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
5. 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
6. 1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers
7. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
8. 1 garlic clove, minced
9. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
10. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under running water, then drain again. Transfer the orzo to a bowl and add the olives, tomatoes, onion, parsley and capers.
2. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic and a pinch each of kosher salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil and stir the dressing into the pasta salad.