My idea of romance is very unfortunately old-fashioned. When I think of romance, I think of promenading through gardens of jasmine. I think of masquerade balls and mysterious lovers. Standing on a balcony, my love steadying my hand, as my city crumbles around me. I’m talking bombastic, passionate, suns-burning-just-for-us love. But alas, this is reality, and I have to make up my own versions of these fantasies that make sense outside of a Jane Austen movie. A picnic is a great date idea if you are like me and want a little bit of romance, and want to be fed strawberries.
For picnics, think of foods that are sturdy and travel friendly. Simple sandwiches on hearty bread, such as mozzarella and prosciutto on ciabatta, won't get soggy. My lightly-dressed lemony herbaceous pasta salad here is easy to pack, and there's low risk of spillage. For dessert, I like to pack cookies because there's no goop and can be eaten with your hands (see my Chocolate Chip Cookies here).
What makes this recipe enchanting:
It's very versatile, can be eaten with lunch or dinner
Can be eaten hot or cold
Great for making with kids, they can help rip up the basil and mix it all together!
More recipes perfect for summer
Primavera Orzo Pasta Salad:
½ package orzo pasta
½ package frozen peas
1 lemon's zest & juice
2 big spoonfuls of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Big glugs of extra-virgin olive oil
Big pinches of kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
2 big handfuls of pine nuts, toasted
Directions:
Cook orzo in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. 1/2 a package may not look like a lot, but orzo plumps up substantially. Adding plenty of peas also helps to bulk up the salad later.
Drain the pasta and pour into a large mixing bowl. Add the frozen peas immediately to the hot pasta so that they can thaw. Add all of the other ingredients in any order you like. Add enough olive oil to wet the pasta. It might need some extra oil after refrigeration as well since the pasta will drink up some of that moisture in the fridge.