Orzo Pesto Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
18 mins
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Servings
5 servings
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Calories
502 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Orzo Pesto Salad
Description
The orzo is cooked in salted boiling water alongside frozen peas for a brief period, then rinsed under cold water to stop cooking and cool the mixture. The lemon zest and juice are blended into pesto sauce for added brightness before mixing with orzo and peas.
Halved grape tomatoes and diced shallots introduce fresh, mild pungency and sweetness, while bocconcini cheese contributes a soft, milky texture that contrasts nicely with the tender pasta. Fresh basil leaves are added last, enhancing the salad’s aromatic, green flavor.
Serving the salad chilled allows flavors to meld and keeps the dish light and refreshing. This salad can work as a side dish or a light main, suitable for warm weather or picnic settings.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup orzo
- 1 cup peas frozen
- 1 cup pesto
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 200 grams bocconcini (1 container)
- 1 cup grape tomato or cherry tomato
- 2 to 3 shallot diced
- ⅓ to ½ cup basil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water has boiled, add the orzo. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the frozen peas and continue to cook for another minute, and then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Meanwhile, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and pesto sauce in a small mixing bowl.
- Add the orzo and peas to a large bowl and toss with the lemon pesto sauce.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced shallots, bocconcini, and basil to the pesto orzo and peas.
- Toss until combined. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 502 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 502kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 499mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 310mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1560IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 255mg | 26% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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