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orzo with smokey tomato vinaigrette
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Orzo with Smokey Tomato Vinaigrette

A delicious pasta side dish with a zesty vinaigrette, adapted from recipe by Giada De Laurentiis
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: charred tomatoes, giada orzo salad, orzo, orzo salad, orzo with smokey tomato vinaigrette, pasta salad, pasta salad with tomatoes, tomato vinaigrette, what to make with cherry tomatoes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Vinaigrette

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Char tomatoes in a dry frying pan over medium heat, shaking the pan occasionally to move the tomatoes around. Once the skins have char marks and the tomatoes are softening, remove from heat. Takes approximately 10 minutes.
  • Combine basil, vinegar, olive oil, honey, paprika and salt and pepper in a blender or large measuring cup with a pour spout. Add warm tomatoes including any charred bits and juice. Purée until smooth in blender or with immersion blender.
  • Meanwhile, cook orzo pasta according to manufacture instructions. Drain well.
  • Pour vinaigrette over warm pasta and combine well, reserving a bit of vinaigrette if not serving right away.
  • Add rest of vinaigrette right before serving and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and more pepper if desired.
  • Can be served warm or room temperature.