Orzo and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Categories: pasta, side, summer

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 yellow bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound orzo
• 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and minced
• 12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375’F.

2. Prepare orzo according to package directions.

3. Toss the eggplant, peppers, and garlic together in a roasting pan. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables in the oven, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly blistered, about 45 minutes.

4. In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked orzo with the roasted vegetables. Stir in the scallions, feta, mint, and pine nuts. Dress the salad with the lemon juice and enough of the remaining oil to moisten thoroughly. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Transfer to an attractive bowl and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

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