step 1
Fill a pot halfway with water and add Salt (1 tsp). Bring the pot to a boil and add the Orzo Pasta (1 cup). Cook, stirring occasionally for 9 to 10 minutes for al dente, or according to package directions.
step 2
Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and drain. Set aside.
step 3
Heat the grill to high heat, about 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
step 4
Place the Red Bell Pepper (1) directly on the grates and cook until well charred. If using an oven, heat it to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C), and place the red pepper in the oven and cook for 30 minutes or until tender.
step 5
Slice the Zucchini (1) into rounds, crosswise about 1/2 to 3/4" thick.
step 6
Chunk the Red Onion (1/2) into 1" pieces. If using the oven, place onion and zucchini chunks on a sheet pan. Add 2 tablespoons of the Olive Oil (1/3 cup) and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss with your hands to coat the vegetables. Roast for 20 minutes.
step 7
If grilling, skewer the zucchini slices (skewer on the thin side, so that more of the flesh can get the char of the grill). Separate the layers of onion and loosely skewer.
step 8
Brush 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over the onion and zucchini. Sprinkle both with Kosher Salt (to taste) and freshly ground Ground Black Pepper (to taste).
step 9
Grill the skewers to crisp-tender doneness.
step 10
Place whole pepper in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap, or in a paper bag with the top folded over and sealed. Let the pepper sit in the bowl or bag until cooled to room temperature.
step 11
Pit and halve the Kalamata Olives (1/2 cup).
step 12
Halve the Cherry Tomato (1 cup).
step 13
Remove the skin from the outside of the pepper and discard - it should peel right off.
step 14
Remove the stem and seeds. Cut the pepper into bite sized chunks. Thinly slice the Scallion (1 bunch). Chop the Fresh Parsley (4 Tbsp).
step 15
Dice the Feta Cheese (3/4 cup).
step 16
In a large bowl, combine, orzo, red pepper, zucchini, onion, olives, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
step 17
Mince the Garlic (2 cloves). In a small bowl, combine the zest and juice of a Lemon (1), Olive Oil (4 Tbsp), Dijon Mustard (2 tsp), minced garlic, Dried Oregano (1 tsp), Kosher Salt (as needed) and Ground Black Pepper (as needed).
step 18
Stir together until dressing has emulsified. Add dressing to the orzo salad and toss to coat.
step 19
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
