Summer Salad

I love recipes for cold salads in the summertime. They're the perfect solution for all those picnics, cookouts and potlucks on your calendar, and I'm a big fan of anything you can make ahead of time. This simple orzo salad from the latest Real Simple is one worth adding to the repertoire.

Mozzarella and Orzo Salad
Recipe slightly adapted from Real Simple

1 cup cooked orzo
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup snap peas, halved
8 oz. container of bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved
1/2 cup of chopped basil
1 teaspoon of chives, chopped
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook 1 cup of orzo per package instructions. Let cool. Toss with halved grape tomatoes, halved snap peas, halved bocconcini and fresh herbs. Add olive oil, grated lemon zest and lemon juice, toss and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator. Serves 4.