Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• fresh basil leaf (optional) or parsley sprig, for garnish (optional)

Dressing

• 1 (1 ounce) packet hidden valley ranch dressing mix
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. 1

   Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water and drain well.

2. 2

   Mix orzo, bell pepper, cheese, olives and chopped fresh basil in a large bowl. (If using dried basil, add to dressing.).

3. 3

   Whisk together salad dressing & seasoning mix, oil, vinegar and sugar.

4. 4

   Stir dressing into orzo mixture.

5. 5

   Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

6. 6

   Garnish with basil leaves before serving, if desired.