Cool down this summer with a Greek Pasta Salad

Summer is here and it has been hot, hot, and hot!  For our company's salad competition I decided to make the following Greek Pasta Salad last night.  My fiance and I certainly enjoyed it ourselves.  Hopefully it will get great reviews and you will enjoy it too.   

Greek Pasta Salad

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried basil         
• 1 tsp of Mrs. Dash Herbs and Garlic Blend
• 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp of onion powder
• ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup of olive oil

Salad Ingredients

• 3 cups of uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 (14 oz) cans of artichoke hearts, drained
• 2 (6 oz) cans of black olives, drained
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cucumber, chopped
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• ½ stalk of celery, chopped
• 2 cups of crumbled feta cheese (Optional)

Directions:

For the Dressing

1. Put all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together.

 For the Salad

1. Open cans of artichoke hearts and black olives and drain all of the liquids.
2. Chop all of the vegetables and add the artichoke hearts and black olives.
3. Set the salad mixture aside.
4. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions.
5. Drain the orzo pasta and cool it down with some ice cubes and cold water.
6. Pour ½ of the dressing into the orzo pasta and mix well.
7. Pour the remaining ½ of the dressing into the salad mixture and toss it. 
8. Combine both orzo pasta and salad mixture together and toss it.
9. Cover and refrigerate if desired.
10. Serve with crumbled feta cheese if desired.

Serves:  15-20 people