Simple Pasta Salad

My Daddy used to tell me, "Remember, Lorna, simplicity is beauty." Of course, when he was telling me this, I was a teenager starting to wear makeup and exploring the world of fashion. But my Dad also had an eye for good design. He chose furnishings with simple lines, had a penchant for museum quality Asian antiques, maintained a neutral palette in the home with shots of red or black, china and even bed linens sported crisp and graphic designs. So many of the design elements I see today in magazines, I grew up with as a child, thanks to Dad. I can't tell you how many times I've spied our dining table and chairs in magazines such as Architectural Digest. My DH and I joke, that if dear Dad were still with us today, he'd be blogging!

So what does this have to do with food? After all, it is Foodie Friday @ Designs by Gollum. A lot actually. You see, simplicity can translate to food as well. Sometimes the best recipes are also the simplest ones, especially if you use fresh herbs. Food is not just an experience for the palate, but a feast for the eyes as well. Why else do our mouths water when we SEE these delicious photos on our blogs and magazines?

So today I share with you and incredibly simple recipe I created using texture, color, and fresh ingredients. I've served it at many potlucks and parties, and it's always been a hit. The type of "Can I have that recipe?" dish.

My readers know that things have been going fresh and simple here at the Lace and Ivy Cottage, and here's a pasta salad that goes with that theme.

Not a lot of ingredients are required. Sure you can add to this, but remember, simplicity is key. Here I've pictured Kraft Caesar Italian dressing. This works very well, and can be found at any supermarket. But my favorite dressing to use is Pat and Oscar's House Dressing available at Costco. If you've never seen or used Orzo, it's a pasta that looks like rice.



It makes for a great side dish for BBQ, chicken, or fish.

Lorna's Orzo Salad
1 pound orzo
10 oz pkg. grape tomatoes
5 oz baby spinach leaves (half of package)
2 bunches Italian parsley, finely chopped
bunch of fresh basil, julienned (optional)
1 red onion finely diced
Pat and Oscar's House Dressing or Kraft Caesar Italian Dressing (half of this bottle)
About 3/4 C good quality shredded parmesan cheese

Gently mix ingredients and chill before serving

Happy Foodie Friday everyone and I hope your summer is filled with SIMPLE pleasures!


Till next time,