Checkerboard Orzo Salad

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 2
• 8 ounces medium-sized ripe fresh tomatoes
• coarse salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leave
• 3 ounces soft mild goat cheese
• 4 ounces uncooked orzo pasta

Recipe

• 1 cut the tomatoes into 1/3" cubes; place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme leaves; set aside at room temperature for 1 hour.
• 2 boil orzo in salted water until tender; drain and return to the pot off the heat; stir until moisture is evaporated; add goat cheese and stir until melted.
• 3 add half of the tomatoes and all the juices; toss gently to combine and season with salt to taste; pour salad onto serving platter and top with remaining tomatoes.
• 4 serve warm or at room temperature.