Farmers Market Week: Lemony Orzo Salad with Spring Pea and Mint

Today was Jasper's birthday and we celebrated with a BBQ by the pool.  I made an orzo salad with fresh peas and mint from the farmers market, dressed in a garlic-lemon vinaigrette...

Lemony Orzo Salad

12 oz dried orzo

1 cup fresh peas (about 1/2 lb)

2 cups water

3 sprigs mint

4 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 lemons, juiced

1 teaspoon cracked sea salt

1 tsp lemon zest

6 oz crumbled feta

Prepare the orzo according to package, rinse and strain with cool water. Put orzo in a large mixing bowl.  While it cools completely, shuck the peas.  In a medium sauce pan, bring the water to a boil, add peas and lower heat to a simmer for 3 minutes.  Strain and rinse with cool water, add to the orzo.  Prepare the vinaigrette by combining the olive oil, garlic,lemon juice and sea salt.  Whisk until emulsified. Pour over orzo and peas, add mint, zest, feta and toss until combined.