Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad

There is an intoxicating aroma that comes from the grill when I start to roast the vegetables for my roasted vegetable orzo pasta salad.  I used to think it was just me that found the smell of roasting vegetables absolutely irresistible but apparently, I'm not alone.  Inevitably, every time that I fire up the grill and put some vegetables on to roast, one of my neighbors will shout over to my back porch to inquire what I am grilling.  (A subtle way of getting a dinner invitation - don't you think?)  I secretly love the fact that they love my cooking just as much as my own family. 

Seriously - I could eat a plate of roasted vegetables just like this - no further ingredients required.  BUT  ... if you are craving something a little more substantial - without a lot more effort, my roasted vegetable orzo pasta salad is the way to go.  It is really scrumptious and it's a great compliment to any meal.  Chicken - steaks - fish - all great things to serve with this yummy pasta/vegetable dish. 

Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad
1 eggplant
2 small zucchini
2 small yellow squash
1/2 red onion
1 pound orzo pasta
olive oil
salt
2 Tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. 

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Drain pasta and put into a large bowl.

Peel and slice vegetables.  Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the grill until evenly browned.

Eggplant:

Peppers:

Zucchini and Squash:

Onions:

Gather up all that deliciousness and let cool slightly.

Chop those yummy vegetables and add to the bowl of orzo.

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Serve just like that OR add a sprinkle of cheese to make it even more delicious.  (I like parmesan but you could use feta if you're a fan.)

This pasta dish is good ANY time of year but for some reason - I crave it in the spring.  I hope that your family enjoys it just as much as mine does.

Ciao!