Barbecue here we come

With our first barbecue weekend ahead of us, I am always thinking of what sides to serve.   Here is an easy salad to whip up that involves no cooking other than boiling the orzo. 


Ingredients:

1 box of orzo

1 fresh mozzarella

1 bunch of basil

1 container of grape or cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup Canola oil

1/2 Pecorino Romano cheese

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.  Boil the orzo as directed on the package, reserve some of the  orzo water to add to salad

2.  Cut the mozzarella into small cubes, 
     Chop the basil into small pieces
     Chop tomatoes

5. In a large bowl combine the cooked orzo, tomatoes and basil, olive oil, Romano cheese and cooking water if needed(if the salad seems dry add a little cooking water)
 
6. Let cool awhile before adding the mozzarella to avoid the cheese from melting
 
7. Salt and pepper to taste

8. Mix and enjoy

Try these variations:

Greek Orzo Salad- Exclude :
                             Mozzarella
                             Tomatoes
                             Basil 
                             Romano cheese
                                            Add :
                             Kalamata olives
                             Feta cheese
                             Red onions

Mexican Orzo Salad- Exclude :
                                 Mozzarella
                                 Tomatoes
                                 Basil
                                 Romano cheese
                                  Add:
                                 Corn
                                 Black beans
                                 Cilantro
                                 Lime juice


What other variations can you think of?
Let me know I would love to try them.