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Hopefully you'll never, ever run into me at the supermarket. Oh, I suppose it would be okay if we encountered each other in the meat department. I could share a few fun and fab chicken, beef and/or pork recipes. You'd be fairly safe in the dairy section, I'd show you the best yogurt you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting or tell you how to take simple egg whites and turn them into something sensational. If we bumped into each other in the baking aisle, you might be a bit sad, because I'll probably have snatched up all the toffee bits, but I'd be sure to tell you about a wonderful dessert idea for your next dinner party or family get together.
Avoid me at all costs, however, in the produce section. In the summer. When displays are piled high with multi-colored peppers in brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange, sweet, fresh soft yellow tiny-kerneled corn, glistening, glossy, deep purple eggplants, mounds of juicy, fuzzy-skinned, golden Georgia peaches, sweet as sugar, jewel-hued nectarines, slender, tender green beans, sun-kissed cherry and grape tomatoes in lovely shades of red and gold .............. pretend you don't know me, just do YOUR produce shopping AFTER I've wheeled my overflowing cart to another aisle. You see, I am very likely to ...................
.................. get so excited about the beautiful produce that I BURST INTO SONG!?! And I can't sing ............. or hold a tune .......... or a beat ...........or anything like that. And I'd probably make up the words; something really silly, something about being in love with summer and/or about the thrill of seeing all the gorgeous produce ............... Oh, it just wouldn't be a pretty sight sound. So, like I said, if you see me there in the produce section, pretend you really need something in the farthest corner of the store ...
Something you DO want to do however, is try this fabulous summer salad, inspired by a recent trip to the market (I wanted to, but I didn't sing - I thought you might be watching). Corn, cherry tomatoes and green onions were on super sale. Fresh mozzarella caught my eye and it's way into my cart. Our deck herb garden is prolifically producing at this time of the year. Pasta sounded wonderful. Israeli Couscous and Orzo Pasta Salad evolved. We all loved it and I think you will too!
The recipe makes a enough for a crowd so it's perfect for picnics, parties and family get togethers.. Cut it in half if you want, but it keeps quite well and makes wonderful leftovers, fabulous for lunches at work or meals on the run.
P.S. Wondering about the combination of pastas in this Israeli Couscous and Orzo Pasta Salad? I love mingling fun shaped pastas. You could definitely use just one (either, or), but the round Israeli couscous and the oblong orzo make such a pretty presentation. It's kind of like "layering" in home decor. It makes it all the more attractive and interesting. Israeli couscous and orzo both take about 10 minutes to cook, so they're a perfect match, you can even prepare them in the same pot, at the same time.
- 8 ounces Israeli couscous*
- 8 ounces orzo
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling over pasta
- 3 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
- ½ cup fresh basil finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh oregano finely chopped
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt we love Maldon, more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 pint red cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 bunch green spring onions, thinly sliced
- 6 ears fresh corn** shucked and kernels cut from cobs
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella drained, if necessary, and cut in bite sized pieces
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- small fresh herb leaves if desired, for garnish
- extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove top. Add a generous measure of salt (about a tablespoon) and return to a boil. Add couscous and orzo, allow water to return to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Stir frequently while pasta is cooking. Drain well and drizzle with olive oil, just a teaspoon or two to keep the pasta fro sticking together.Stir to coat well to coat and allow to cool.
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Combine the ⅓ cup olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.
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Add halved tomatoes, green onions, corn and pastas. Stir to combine. This is when you get to act like a real chef; taste and add more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Add fresh mozzarella cubes and stir gently. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Add fresh herb leaves for garnish, if desired. Drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil and serve.
~ *Israeli couscous is widely available in larger super markets (often in the "kosher" section) or at Middle Eastern markets. Trader Joe's carries it also.
~ **Corn is not cooked in this recipe. It's delicious this way, sweet with a bit of crunch. Just make sure you get fresh corn, kernels should be plump and not too large.
Liz Berg says
This could be my lunch and dinner all week long...that's how much I LOVE it!!! So many of my favorite ingredients. And I had to laugh about the shortage of toffee bits after you've been to the market...I can totally relate 🙂
Cyndy @ Rogers' Private Reserve says
Made half the recipe. Used tri-colored orzo. Super simple with gourmet results. My kind of recipe! Ate it. OMGoodness. Best salad ever in every way. Super keeper recipe for guests. Delish! 'Nuff said.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Cyndy. I could eat this everyday and I love that, even though it's a pasta salad, it's a bit healthier with all the fresh veggies!
Mary Hirsch says
I am making this fabulous-looking salad for a dinner party this coming week-end, Chris. I definitely need to stop making your Black-bean and Quinoa salad which I again made twice last week. Everyone loves it. But, this looks like a wonderful summer replacement. I am a little concerned about not cooking the corn - not even blanching it??? However, I trust you and will give it a go.
Chris Scheuer says
Mary, thanks for stopping by! You'll be shocked at how wonderful the corn is uncooked. I have gotten addicted to it in this way and use it in all sorts of recipes. It's sweet and fresh and adds a bit of fun texture to salads and other dishes. Just make sure it's sweet, tender corn to begin with. Actually my very favorite corn comes from your fine state, it's called Olathe and is grown somewhere in the Colorado mountains. It doesn't show up in our markets till late July or early August, it's the best! 🙂
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
how totally delicious - you make me want to rush into the kitchen and whip this up asap!
Mary x
Sandra Lee says
Not only do you have a way with salads you have a way with words. That was the best description of vegetables ever!,,
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Chris, what a wonderful combination of flavors and colors - you are so creative, it would never have occured to me to add both couscous and orzo to a salad - it looks like summer, so tasty and healthy and perfect for anytime! I think I would love to bring this salad to a party that we are invited too!
Have a lovely weekend, Chris!
Mary Bergfeld says
What a lovely summer salad. Perfect for eating on a deck overlooking water. Actually, I think this would work anywhere it's served. I hope your weekend is off to a great start. Blessings...Mary
Debra Eliotseats says
I cannot wait for the produce to kick I here. I am that way at the FM, buying lots of stuff and then getting home and thinking "What am I going to do with all this." I just used pearl couscous for the first time. Loved it.
Gloria Baker says
Chris look lovely I lovr couscous. Sounds perfect to me!!
Mr. & Mrs. P says
Lovely salad Chris..... So fresh and light....
Privet and Holly says
Oh.My.GOOD-ness!
This has my tastebuds
clamoring for a trip to
the farmer's market. It
sounds so fresh, so summery
and just plain delicious.
Can't wait to try it!
Happy Friday,
xo Suzanne
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
I would love to go to the market with you. I would just say, I'll have what she is having. I do love that pan, but I have no business with a pan that size.
twodogsinthekitchen says
What a beautiful salad Chris! I love all the flavors going on and the fresh corn! The pictures are stunning. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Angie Schneider says
Now Chris, I really want to run into you at the grocery store!
The salad looks so colourful and summery.
Pam says
What a perfect and delicious side dish! Love it.
Sue/the view from great island says
Gorgeous salad, Chris, I don't blame you for bursting into song! This is the kind of salad I love to make a huge batch of and then eat for every meal for an entire week!
rosaria williams says
Brilliant!
I like that it can sit around; it can travel; it is filling and can easily become the main course. Most of all, I like that everything is fresh, including the herbs.
Kathy says
Oh Chris, Just my kind of salad! I was just looking for a salad to serve at a lunch I’m doing for my bunco friends. This is it! Lovely presentation!
La Table De Nana says
There's that great pan again:)
I love this type of salad..stills earching for Israeli couscous here though!~
Kim G. says
I think if we had to bump into each other at a market, we would have a goud laugh because I'm just like you Chris, all excited by beautiful fruits and veggies and thinking: " Just how much could I eat in a week" or "What can I prepare with these???" This salad is beautiful and looks really good!
Lynn@Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
I'd love to see this on my table, it's gorgeous! That cast iron pan is still my favorite, it always looks great in photos:@)
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Wow, what a gorgeous salad! I love corn and tomatos together and the addition of couscous and orzo pasta is simply perfect! Whata great idea for a picnic! I love it!
Foodycat says
This is so beautiful! Definitely a dish worth singing about!
Ginny says
Jewel hued, that really SAYS it! This is way too pretty to eat, instead it needs to be featured on the cover of a food magazine!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Too funny, now I really do want to run into you at the grocery store! 😉 Your salad practically sings summer to me with all the fresh veggies and colors.