Orzo Salad

Okay, I know you are looking at this thinking orzo? jicama? This recipe is so good. I made this in one of my Nurtition cooking classes last year and just ran across it and remembered how delicious it was. Give it a try, you will love it!

INGREDIENTS
Salad:
2/3 c uncooked orzo
1/2 c frozen corn
1 c black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 c jicama, peeled and diced
1/4 c green bell pepper, diced
1 green onion, diced
1 small tomato, diced
Dressing:
2/3 c sour cream
1/2 of a lime-juiced
1 t lime zest
1 T finely chopped cilantro
1 t sugar
1/2 t salt

INSTRUCTIONS
1)Cook pasta to desired doneness as directed on the package, add frozen corn during the last 4 minutes of cooking time. Drain, rinse; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.

2) In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add orzo and corn. Toss gently. Serve cool.

This is a jicama....

NUTRITIONAL TID-BITS
Jicama is high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables is a powerful antioxidant and acts as an anti-inflammatory. This can help improve asthma symptoms. It also helps neutralize free radicals in the body that can cause different types of cancer and other diseases. If you tend to "bruise easily" you may want to increase your Vitamin C consumption. An easy way to do this would be to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially strawberries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and YES JICAMA!

To get more information about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables go to www.public.asu.edu/~cahuffak