Orzo with Green Beans, Grape Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

This is a wonderful side dish! It was light yet full of flavor and I loved the silky pasta with the crunchy green beans & pine nuts. My son particularly loved this dish & had second helpings. I used vinegar and oil but this is also great with a couple of tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette dressing. This dish pairs nicely with chicken or fish.

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 onion, diced finely
• 1 cup of fresh green beans, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 cup of grape tomatoes
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo (rice shaped pasta), prepared per instructions
• 1-2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 3-4 tbsp low fat feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add onions & cook for 2 minutes. Add green beans & cover with a lid for 3 minutes. Add tomatoes & continue to cook until beans & tomatoes have softened. Add garlic & stir constantly for 30-45 seconds. Remove from heat. In a dry skillet, add pine nuts & toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Once orzo is cooked & drained, combine with the vegetables. Add parsley, cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, vinegar & lemon zest. Taste & re-season if needed. Enjoy.

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