Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Butter, Peppers, Tomatoes
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
493 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad, Dinner
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Cuisine
American, Vegetarian
Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Butter, Peppers, Tomatoes
Description
The salad centers on orzo pasta cooked al dente, tossed with a homemade basil butter where fresh basil leaves and grated garlic are finely blended with unsalted butter and bright lemon zest. This adds herbal brightness and a creamy coating to the pasta. The use of halved cherry tomatoes and sliced bell peppers adds sweetness and crispness, while pitted olives contribute slight saltiness and depth. Chopped parsley and arugula bring further freshness and mild peppery notes.
Mixing the pasta with most of the basil butter allows for flavor control, and serving it warm or at room temperature gives flexibility for different occasions. The combination of ingredients offers a layered flavor profile with herb, citrus, and vegetable elements working together.
Ingredients
FOR BASIL BUTTER
- 8 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 tablespoons basil leaves
- 1 garlic grated, clove
- lemon zest of whole
FOR ORZO PASTA
- 2 cups orzo pasta cooked in boiling salted water to al dente
- .50 cup cherry tomato halved
- ½ cup bell pepper cut into strips
- ½ cup olives preferably pitted under oil, assorted varieties
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- 1 cup arugula for salad
Instructions
- Put all the basil butter ingredients in the food processor. Pulse until everything is blended. The basil should be well chopped and evenly mixed into the butter.
- Toss the cooked orzo with ½ to ¾ of the basil butter, depending on how buttery you like it. Add the remaining ingredients and garnish with arugula.
- Serve hot or room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 493 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 493kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 16mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 323mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 2230IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 39mg | 43% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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