Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

It’s been crazy busy at work, which I love.  But yesterday I wore long johns under my pants because my train station doesn’t have warming booths, you just stand on the platform.  It worked perfectly, I wasn’t cold at all waiting for the train.  Only problem was that I got to work and hit the ground running, and wasn’t able to take my long johns off until nearly 10:30 and I was sweating balls!  I grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich at Pret on my way up to work, and literally ate it in about 5 bites. It’s 290 calories – I haven’t looked it up yet, but I am guessing 8-9 points.

My firms holiday potluck was yesterday.  You could either donate $5 towards the ham and turkey, or bring a side dish or dessert.  I decided to bring a side dish, and this one is perfect because it’s just as good cold as it is room temperature.   I found the original recipe here, and just tweaked it a bit.   This makes a lot!

• 1 pound dried orzo pasta
• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cans corn with peppers, drained
• 1 cup diced roasted red peppers
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup marinated baby mozzarella balls
• 3 tablespoons chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.   Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon of the grapeseed oil in the pan and cook the zucchini, corn and peppers for about 5 minutes.  Add in the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cook for another minute.   Put cooked orzo in a large bowl, stir in the zucchini mixture and toss well.  Add remaining 2 teaspoons of grapeseed oil, the salt, pepper, mozzarella and toss well.  Right before plating, add the chopped basil and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

This was delicious.  It was light, the veggies were still a bit crisp.  Yum!  I can’t wait to make this again in the summer and pair it with some delicious grilled chicken.

My train ride home yesterday was 90 minutes long due to some tracking problems.  Yes, people, I have still yet to meal plan or do a full grocery shop.  So when I got home, I just made a quick pizza and called it a night.

I watched the season finale of The Voice – not going to spoil it in case someone has it taped on the DVR, but I love who won.  The top four were amazing and probably the best season finale of any show of it’s kind.  Bruno Mars, Sting, Kelly Clarkson, even Kiss! 

I have my holiday party tonight which should be fun – just wish it wasn’t so bitterly cold.  We will have a high of 12 today, but tomorrow our high is only 2.  Is anyone else counting down the days until summer like me?!

Gotta jump in the shower – make it a great day!