Mediterranean Orzo Salad

• 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

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

salad, orzo pasta, red bell pepper, feta cheese, olives, fresh basil, fresh basil, dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/mediterranean-orzo-salad-308023 (may not work)