Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Today I went running in the rain.  It was just a drizzle.  My favorite runs are when it is softly raining.  I am from a dessert, and I think rain is beautiful.  It is refreshing.  I enjoy the feel of it on my skin.  

Exercise is often something I have to push myself to do.  I always feel better when I exercise regularly.  I sleep better at night, and I have more energy.  

Even though I enjoy the benefits of exercise, actually exercising is often unpleasant.  Today was one of those rare times when exercise was a joy.  I was smiling throughout my jog.  The other pedestrians probably thought I was crazy.

Nothing like a cool, rainy day to make you think of a vegetable packed pasta salad, right?  This recipe would have been more appropriate a month ago, but people eat pasta salads in the fall too.

The ingredients for this salad are 2 shallots, 1 pound orzo pasta, 8 ounces feta, 1 English cucumber, 1 quarts grape tomatoes, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard, and salt to taste.

While the pasta boiled in salted water, I finely chopped the shallots.

I cut the cucumber and tomatoes into bit sized pieces.  I added the shallots, cucumber, and tomatoes into a bowl.

I added the orzo pasta once it was cooked.

I made the dressing by pouring the apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil into a mason jar.

I added basil, minced garlic, salt, mustard, and lemon juice into the jar.

I sealed the jar and shook it vigorously.

I poured the dressing over the pasta salad.

I added the crumbled feta cheese.

 I stirred until the dressing and vegetables were evenly distributed.

 The quantity and taste of the dressing was spot on.  It was bright and tangy.

It is a great salad for a picnic, a totally common occurrence in fall, or a pack lunch.

The cheese was chewy and salty.  The vegetables were crisp and refreshing.  Olives would have been a nice touch too.

It was a delicious pasta salad.