*****50/56 PAELLA PASTA SALAD

See May 25, wonderful dish

RECIPE 50/56  PAELLA PASTA SALAD (reviewed on May 25, 2012)

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces uncooked orzo pasta about 1 1/2 cups
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 tsp saffron powder (powder works well because is more evenly distributed than the threads), poor man's saffron=tumeric for coloring
1 lemon
2 Tbsp light mayonnaise
2 tsp salt
2 garlic cloves, pressed
4 green onions with tops
2 Tbsp fresh tarragon leaves
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
1.2 cup pitted green olives
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

DIRECTIONS
PREP TIME 15 MINUTES  TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES 16 SERVINGS 1/2 CUP = 140 CALORIES

1.  Cook orzo according to package directions at the high end of the time range, omitting salt and oil.  Drain.  Rinse under cold running water; set aside.

2.   Meanwhile, for dressing, combine oil and saffron powder until hot.  Place into refrigerator; cool completely.  Juice lemon to measure 2 Tbsp;  Combine lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt and pressed garlic in Small Bowl; whisk until smooth.  Slowly add oil mixture. whisking constantly.

3.  Thinly slice green onions and chop tarragon.  Cut tomatoes in half and olives into quarters.  Combine orzo, dressing, green onions, tarragon, tomatoes, olives and peas in Bowl; mix well.