This pleasant pasta salad is even tastier the second day. Enjoy it as an entrée for six or a side dish for twelve.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6, 1 cup per serving

　　6 ounces uncooked orzo

　　3/4 cup pine nuts

　　1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, thawed

　　1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil (about 1 ounce before removing stems) or 2 tablespoons dried, crumbled

　　3 tablespoons cider vinegar

　　1 14.5-ounce can artichoke quarters, drained and cut in half lengthwise

　　1 7.2-ounce bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped

　　1 2.5-ounce can sliced black olives, drained

　　1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley (Italian, or flat-leaf, preferred) (optional)

　　2 teaspoons olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)

　　1/8 teaspoon salt

　　Pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Prepare the orzo using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil. Pour into a colander and rinse under cold running water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and cool quickly. Drain well.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, dry-roast the pine nuts over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until just fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from the skillet so they don’t burn.

　　

Step 3

In a large bowl, stir together the peas, basil, and vinegar. Add the artichokes, bell peppers, olives, and parsley, tossing well.

　　

Step 4

Add the orzo, oil, salt, and pepper to the artichoke mixture, tossing well. Serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to serve chilled.

　　

Time-Saver

Step 5

To bring water to a boil quickly, start with hot tap water and cover the pot.

　　

nutrition information

Step 6

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 7

Calories: 264

　　

Step 8

Total Fat: 11.0g

　　

Step 9

Saturated: 1.5g

　　

Step 10

Trans: 0.0g

　　

Step 11

Polyunsaturated: 3.5g

　　

Step 12

Monounsaturated: 5.0g

　　

Step 13

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 14

Sodium: 382mg

　　

Step 15

Carbohydrates: 35g

　　

Step 16

Fiber: 4g

　　

Step 17

Sugars: 5g

　　

Step 18

Protein: 10g

　　

Step 19

Dietary Exchanges

　　

Step 20

2 Starch

　　

Step 21

1 Vegetable

　　

Step 22

1/2 Very Lean Meat

　　

Step 23

2 Fat

　　American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals