Pasta salads are best when dressed while still warm. The dressing is absorbed for maximum flavor.

• Cook orzo according to manufacturer's directions until al dente. Drain water, reserving 1 cup for later use.

• Place warm orzo in a big bowl. Add the green onions, bell pepper, parsley, olives, and cheese.

• Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a glass jar with a lid and shake to blend. Pour over the pasta salad. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

• If pasta is dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until moist. Serve warm. May be refrigerated for 2 days.

Pasta Shapes

Orzo is a small pasta shaped like a large grain of rice. It is smooth and creamy. Other pastas to substitute in this salad are gemelli, small shells, orecchiette, small macaroni, small penne, or even linguine.