Orzo Salad Easy Make-Ahead Dish

Even though Memorial Day officially falls during what the calendar designates as spring, for most of us it symbolically represents the beginning of summer.

I especially like to make salads in warm weather and have recently added to my repertoire a black bean and orzo combination that would be a fine addition to a Memorial Day menu.

This simple, make-ahead dish can be assembled in less than half an hour.

The salad, which can be prepared several hours ahead, travels well and could easily be transported to a picnic.

Grilled lemon-marinated chicken and blanched green beans tossed with fresh herbs would be fine dishes to offer with the salad.

A bowl of fresh strawberries and blueberries served with homemade pound cake could end the meal.

Black Bean, Orzo and Tomato Salad With Garlic Dressing

1 cup orzo (see note)

Salt

2 (19-ounce) cans black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry

1-1/2 cups tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red onions

1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon finely minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more if needed

6 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, preferably flat leaf

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus several basil sprigs for garnish

Bring 2 quarts water to boil and add orzo and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to simmer and cook until orzo is just tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove, drain well and pat dry. Place orzo in large nonreactive mixing bowl. Add beans, tomatoes and onions and mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually whisk in olive oil.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to mix. Taste and add more salt and/or red pepper flakes if desired. (Salad can be made 3 to 4 hours ahead to this point. Cover and refrigerate; bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.)

When ready to serve, add chopped parsley and basil to salad and mix well. Mound salad on serving platter or in large, shallow bowl. Arrange bouquet of fresh basil sprigs in center as garnish.

Yield: 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 371 calories, 14.9 grams fat (36 percent fat calories), 15 grams protein, 47 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 60 milligrams sodium.

Note: Orzo, a small oval, grainshaped pasta, is available in the pasta section of larger supermarkets.