Summer Side Salad Delight

I could eat pasta every day for dinner.  In fact, I usually do. 

Last night I mixed it up a little, kind of, and tried this Weight Watchers recipe - it was pretty good!  (Yes, I know Orzo is technically a pasta, but it looks like rice so I'm considering it Rasta.)  I think its meant for a side dish and would be great at a BBQ if your guests are adventurous/tired of the same old noodle salad. 

Orzo-Chickpea Salad, via WeightWatchers.com

POINTS® Value: 5 (if you're into that sort of thing)
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 15 min

INGREDIENTS
8 oz uncooked orzo (half a 1 lb box)
cooking spray
2 small zucchini, chopped
1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/4 cup(s) parsley, leaves, firmly packed, chopped (I used basil, since I didn't have parsley)
15 oz canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup(s) dried cranberries (I used golden raisins since I had them on hand)
1 tsp olive oil, extra-virgin
1/4 cup(s) red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste

DIRECTIONS
Cook orzo according to package directions; set aside.

Meanwhile, coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Sauté zucchini, lightly salting it as it cooks, until slightly crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes; allow to cool.

Place zucchini in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients (including orzo); toss to combine. Allow salad to marinate in refrigerator for at least half an hour before serving. It may be served cold or at room temperature.

(I ate it pretty much right away and it was still good, without marinating.  Am having it for lunch today too - so it should be even better!)

Woo Hoo Friday!

Hello and Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you're having a delightful day and enjoying summer.  Off to spend some time poolside with the likes of this little guy - have fun and enjoy your weekend!

Come (tag) Sale away!

Hello friends! I hope you had a delightful 3 day weekend. I certainly did!

I got to spend some time hanging out with the family - including the lovely ladies above. (Don't worry, Mom is watering the garden, not little Rakia.)

I also visited not one but 6 tag sales! We made some great finds. I got all of the above - a brand new cupcake holder, an unopened packet of cute stationary, a neat candlestick, and a fun summer sarong for only $3.75 all together! Score! They all kind of match together, weird.

This is the candlestick close up. I was thinking of painting it. Color suggestions?