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Pesto Orzo Salad

Impressive and delicious, this Pesto Orzo Salad is ready to brighten up your weekday eats!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 260 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked orzo
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼-½ cup homemade or store-bought pesto
  • 2 TBSP white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
  • 10 ounces Grape or Cherry Tomatoes
  • 15.5 ounces chickpeas (1 can) drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped basil (add as much as you’d like!)
  • salt and pepper to taste
OPTIONAL EXTRAS - choose your favorites!
  • toasted pine nuts
  • chopped pistachios or walnuts
  • finely chopped kale or arugula
  • extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • balsamic glaze for drizzling
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a medium-large pot of water to a boil. Add ½ tsp of salt then add the orzo. Cook until al dente, according to package instructions, approx. 8-10 minutes. Drain in a fine mesh colander and set aside.
  2. While the orzo cooks, whisk pesto and vinegar together in a large mixing bowl.
  3. If your pesto is extra-thick, feel free to add a drizzle or two of olive oil to the bowl as well.
  4. Cut tomatoes in either halves or quarters and add to the mixing bowl along with drained chickpeas. Mix well to coat.
  5. Add orzo, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and taste test. Add additional salt and pepper to taste as well as any additional basil, pesto, or vinegar you'd like to add to amp up the flavors to your liking.
  6. NOTE: salt and pepper bring out the flavors of the pesto so don't skip this part! Start with a little of each, mix, and then increase until it's seasoned perfectly to your liking.
  7. Serve warm, room temperature, or chill in the fridge before serving for a cold pasta salad vibe. It's great every which way! Chilled pasta salad tends to soak up sauces and dressing so simply add a little extra upon serving if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed  based on any extras added and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 260kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 303mg (13%) Potassium 405mg (12%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 512IU (10%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 68mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 260

% Daily Value*

Calories 260kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 12g 24%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 303mg 13%
Potassium 405mg 9%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 512IU 10%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 68mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.