Israeli Couscous and Orzo Pasta Salad
The most delicious pasta salad ever with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and lots of wonderful fresh herbs. The dressing is simply olive oil, lemon zest and fresh herbs. Everyone loves this one!
Servings: 6 -8
Calories:
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine the ⅓ cup olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
~ *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.
~ **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.