Mediterranean Orzo Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Salad
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
fresh basil leaves (optional) or parsley sprig, for garnish (optional)
Dressing
1 (1 ounce) packet hidden valley ranch dressing mix
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar

Preparation

Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
Mix orzo, bell pepper, cheese, olives and chopped fresh basil in a large bowl. (If using dried basil, add to dressing.).
Whisk together salad dressing & seasoning mix, oil, vinegar and sugar.
Stir dressing into orzo mixture.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Garnish with basil leaves before serving, if desired.