Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad

 Citrus is the perfect flavor to add to your summer menus. It is such a light and refreshing flavor and it is easy to add in any dish. The lemony zing in this pasta salad is a perfect summer side dish. While making the rounds at summer BBQs, there is always a pasta salad. After the first few times I eat it during the season I get a bit bored with it. This is a delicious variation that you and your potluck companions will love.

Ingredients

1/2 lb orzo pasta

3 Tablespoon Olive Oil, divided

1/2 white onion, diced

2 zucchini, diced

1 clove of garlic, diced

4 medium carrots, diced

zest and juice of two lemons

salt and pepper, to taste

 Orzo is a rice shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a fun twist to the salad. Cook the orzo according to the package directions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, saute the onion in 1 tablespoon of the oil until it is tender.  I added a bit of salt and pepper in this step to help soften and season the onion.

 Once the onion is softened, add in the rest of the veggies. You want the zucchini and carrots to still be a little crisp. I like to add the garlic in at this stage since it can easily become bitter if it is cooked for too long.

 Once the veggies are tender, place them in a large bowl. Over the top add in the lemon zest, juice and the rest of the Olive Oil. Combine this very well and add in some more salt and pepper if it is needed.

Serve this along side your favorite grilled meat or just add chicken for a complete meal, you will love it!