Recipe ~ Orzo w/ Garbanzo Beans, Red Onion, Basil, & Miny

This is one of Giada's recipes.  I made it tonight with burgers and it is so great for the summer.  A nice substitution to potato or macaroni salad in the summer.

 Ingredients

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or water

1.5 cups orzo

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1.5 cups mixed red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved

3/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

3/4 cup red wine vinaigrette (recipe follows)

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring the broth to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat.  Stir in the orzo.  Cover partially and cook, stirring frequently , until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, about 7 mins.  Drain the orzo through a strainer.  Transfer orzo to a large, wide bowl and toss until thte orzo cools slightly.  Set aside tgo cool completely.

Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat; you may not need the full 3/4 cup.  Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.

Red Wine Vinaigrette (makes 1 2/4 cups)

Ingredients

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender.  With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil.  Season the vinaigrette to taste with more salt and pepper, if desired.  **If I don't feel like getting out the blender or mini food processor I whish everything together and it comes out fine.