pasta

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

By in Sides 3 Comments Tags: , , , ,

greek orzo pasta salad

In the summer I crave side dishes that are easy and light. When the weather is gorgeous I want to spend as much time on the patio enjoying the grill and mosquitos, not standing in my house slaving over a hot stove. And, with all those meats, hamburgers and hot dogs cooking on the grill, we need something light and fresh to round it out.

Pasta salad is definitely a summer staple, but I find many of them to be a bit heavy, and every once in a while I like to switch up the flavours. This Greek Pasta Salad goes great with pretty much any grilled meat and the flavours and textures are light, fresh and crisp. In my opinion, a standby recipe for summer grilling.

I should probably mention that the photo above shows quite a bit more olives than are in the actual recipe. My family is crazy for olives so I went a little overboard the first time, haha.

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

The orzo may be substituted with couscous.

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 of a red onion, diced small
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 handfuls baby spinach

Cook pasta according to package directions. Strain. Place in a salad bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons dressing. Allow to cool.

Add feta, olives, onion, celery and spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with remaining 1 tablespoon dressing. Add more, if desired, to taste.

Serves: 6

Garlic Shrimp Pasta for Two

By in Main Dish, Pasta, Seafood, Valentine's 13 Comments Tags: , , , ,

When I was first married I made every possible situation into a celebration. That first year of marriage we celebrated every monthly anniversary along with every romantic holiday in between. I love setting aside a special time to spend with the ones you love with no distractions. That first year gave me ample opportunity.

Things have changed a bit since we had Max and especially since we moved halfway around the world with no free babysitters to call upon. Now, a lot of the romantic days are spent together as a family. But honestly, I really don”t mind.

I know that my son will only be little for so long. In the blink of an eye I will be suffering from empty nest syndrome and will be missing the pitter patter of his little feet. That”s why I don”t mind this stage that we”re in. I get to set aside special days to spend time with my two loves. And, once the sonny goes to bed we get that much needed time to ourselves.

That is where this Garlic Shrimp Pasta is perfect. It”s so simple and fast that it won”t make for added stress. But, with it”s creamy garlic infused sauce and plump pink shrimp, it will definitely feel like a special occasion. You can whip this up in a jiffy once the kids are in bed. Just don”t be the only one eating it and make sure to keep some mints handy. :) Let the romancing begin!

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

  • 2 Tbsp. butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 tsp. parsley

  • 1/4 tsp. dill

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

  • pepper, to taste

  • 5 oz (142g) spaghetti

  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup small cooked shrimp (depending on preference)

  1. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add garlic and cook just enough to get rid of the raw edge. Do not brown.

  2. Add cream and spices. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes to reduce.

  3. Meanwhile cook spaghetti in salted boiling water. Drain.

  4. Add cooked shrimp to cream just to warm through. Poor over spaghetti and stir to combine.

Makes: 2 servings

Print Recipe