What we're eating this summer - orzo salad with Tomatoes, gorgonzola & basil

One of my favorite side salads, that also happens to be great for summertime, is Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and Basil.  It has only 8 ingredients (not counting salt & pepper!) and can be customized to your personal taste.  It's perfect for taking to a local concert in the park, a neighborhood barbecue or to take to work as a side dish all week long.

Orzo Salad with Tomatoes, Gorgonzola & Basil
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced, divided
1 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lb grape or cherry tomatoes (mixed colors if you can find them,) cut in half
12 basil leaves, coarsely chopped, divided
2 ounces Gorgonzola or other blue cheese, crumbled, divided

1.  Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan.  Add the orzo and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 3 minutes.  Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.  Add half of the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds (do not let brown or it will turn bitter.)  Add the stock and season with salt and pepper, then cover and simmer over low heat until the broth has been absorbed and the orzo is tender, about 12 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss the tomatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining garlic, and half of the basil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3.  Once orzo mixture is done, mix in the bowl with the tomato mixture.  Pour into a serving bowl and top with remaining Gorgonzola and basil.
Step 3 note:  For a more elevated presentation, do not combine the orzo mixture with the tomatoes, instead mount the orzo mixture in the middle of individual plates or onto a serving platter.  Spoon the tomato mixture around the orzo, scatter the remaining Gorgonzola and the remaining basil over the top and serve.

This dish is delicious served warm, room temperature or cold.  Room temperature is my favorite!
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