Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta and Mint

By peridot728

Perfect warm or chilled. Serve this Orzo Tomato Feta and Mint side dish with your favorite roasted chicken recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• 1 cup arugula
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus for the pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender, but still firm to the bite, about 7 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and saute until the shallots begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook just to warm through, about 1 minute.

Add the warm tomato mixture to a large bowl along with the feta, arugula, mint, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Drain the orzo and add it to the bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Toss well and serve.