Steph's Pick | Orzo Salad with Dried Fruit & Pecans

This past spring I was at a Ladies Luncheon at our church and was served this DELICIOUS salad. Thankfully I knew exactly who to ask (thanks Susan B!) to get the recipe.

We've made it multiple times since and just love it. It's the perfect side salad to so many Summer meals.... BBQ's, Wraps/Sandwiches, etc...

yum, Yum, YUM!!

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Orzo Salad with Dried Fruit & Pecans

1 lb orzo

1 apple, chopped (leave skin on)

1 bunch scallions, chopped

1 cup toasted and chopped pecans

1/2 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cups chopped celery

8 oz goat cheese (or feta if you like stronger cheeses)

Pomegranate Dressing (see below recipe)

1. Cook Pasta according to the directions on the box. Don't overcook. Spread it out on a cookie sheet and let it cool down.

2. In a large bowl mix the orzo with the other ingredients along with a fair amount of dressing. Toss the salad and taste for salt and pepper.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1/4 cup pomegranate syrup or molasses

2 Tbs red wine vinegar

1 Tbs Dijon Mustard

1-2 Tbs honey

Salt and pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Whisk together everything but olive oil. Slowly add in olive oil until emulsified.

**Local Peeps: Aj's has Pomegranate syrup. The Whole Foods by Walmart in Scottsdale has the pomegranate molasses (the one on Mayo Blvd doesn't).