This is a great summetime salad if your going to a BBQ at a friends house. Or a great side with any meal. I got this recipe years ago from one of our V.I.C'S (Very Important Chef's ) .....JUNE!! Now...... I have been making this, as I said, for years and not exactly sure if this is her original version. But it is definitely good!!! My daughter Melissa's favorite and very frequently requested by her.......just saying!!!

SUMMER ORZO SALAD

1 LB ORZO PASTA
1 PINT CHERRY TOMATOES
HANDFUL OF FRESH PARSLEY
1/2 CUP FETA CHEESE CRUMBLES
1 BUNCH SCALLIONS
1/2 CUP PIGNOLI (PINE) NUTS
1/3 CUP OLIVE OIL
1 TBLSP GARLIC POWDER
1/4 CUP BALSAMIC VINEGAR
SALT & PEPPER

Prepare orzo pasta as directed on package.

While the pasta is cooking you can heat the olive oil in a small saute pan. Add the pignoli nuts and just brown them slightly. I like to do this in all of the olive oil because it gives it that nice nutty flavor.

Next, you can cut your tomatoes. I like to quarter or half the cherry tomatoes depending on their size. Chop the parsley and scallions.

When the pasta is done....strain and put into a large bowl. We will first season with salt & pepper....add the balsamic vinegar....and then the pignolis and olive oil.

Taste it, of course and add more of anything you would like. Then go ahead and add in the parsley, tomatoes and scallions.......

​Now just top it off with the crumbled feta cheese. Again....add more or less depending on your taste.

​Mix it all together and ENJOY!!!! ALL GOOD STUFF!!!! Thanks June!!!!