Pesto Orzo Salad
User Reviews
5
Pesto Orzo Salad
Description
This salad uses cooked orzo pasta as a base, lightly coated with olive oil to keep the grains separate. Pesto sauce adds herbaceous, garlic-rich flavor, while fresh grape tomatoes and diced red onion introduce juiciness and sharpness. Sundried tomatoes provide an intense tomato flavor and chewy texture. Fresh mozzarella pearls add creamy richness to balance the acidity from lemon juice and tomatoes.
The salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled briefly to meld the flavors. It works well as a side dish or light meal, complementing grilled meats or served as part of a picnic spread. Fresh basil garnish amplifies the pesto’s herbal notes and adds visual appeal.
The recipe suggests variations with other fresh vegetables like arugula or spinach, or addition of olives to diversify flavors and textures further.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta 1/2 box
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 ounces pesto sauce
- 6 ounces grape tomatoes washed and sliced into half
- 1 cup red onion diced
- 2 ounces sundried tomato julienne cut
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cut into small pieces, pearls
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- basil to garnish, torn into small pieces or chiffonade, fresh leaves
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain the orzo, mix with extra virgin olive oil and let it cool.
- Add orzo, tomatoes, red onion, sundried tomato, pesto and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with basil leaves.
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until chilled.
Notes
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as arugula, spinach, or olives to customize the salad.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 310 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 310kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 323mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 529mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 828IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 153mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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