In Italian, "orzo" means barley, so the small, flat, oval pastas that look like barley grains go by the same name. They are used often in soups since they cook quickly in broth, but are also great as side salads with light vinaigrettes and vegetables.

Recipe: Orzo and Wild Rice Salad (Root Source Challenge)
Recipe:  Saffron Orzo with Shrimp (Coconut & Lime)