Vegan Kickoff

Ok....this is the vegan kickoff recipe, in order to eat healthier you have to think outside of the box. Open your mind to new foods, don't think about it just try it. I've found that sometimes it doesn't sound good when your reading it but once you mix it all together and take that first bite you'll be surprised to find that you love it. My son has this habit of looking at his food and telling me he doesn't like it, he mainly does it when there's alot of color in it. Makes me crazy!! Try new things and never say never. #

Two Tomato and Orzo Confetti Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
12 oz Orzo pasta
1 c yellow pear tomatoes, destemmed and cut in half
1 c cherry tomatoes, destemmed and cut in half
1 c orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
1 c celery, diced
1 c english cucumber, diced
1/2 c black olives
1/3 c lemon juice
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c water or veg stock
2 Tb dijon mustard
1/4 t sea salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/4 t crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 c fresh chopped basil
1/4 c fresh chopped parsley
3 Tb fresh chopped dill

In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the orzo for 5-7 mins or until al dente. In a large bowl, place the pear and cherry tomatoes, orange pepper, celery, cucmber, and black olives, and toss gently. In a small bowl, combine the lemon jiuce, olive oil, veg stock or water, mustard, salt and pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, whisk together. Add the herbs and whisk well to thoroughly incorporate them into the mixture. Add the cooled orzo and dressing to the vegetable mixture. Cover and chill for 30 mins or more, gently toss again before serving.
Makes: 3 quarts

recipe courtesy of www.veganchef.com

Voila! I really enjoyed this salad, I love all the veggies. I didn't use the pear tomatoes because I couldn't find them. Also when I make the salad again I'll put a little less basil, not a big fan of that much of the flavor. Enjoy!^