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Easy Orzo Salad with Pesto Recipe You Must Try

EASY ORZO SALAD WITH PESTO centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

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This Easy Orzo Salad with Pesto combines tender orzo pasta with fresh pesto, mozzarella pearls, and juicy tomatoes for a vibrant and tasty dish. It’s perfect for quick dinners or summer gatherings and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 16oz package orzo + salt for boiling the pasta
  • 3/4 cup fresh arugula and basil pesto (See Note 1) recipe here or store bought pesto is fine too!
  • 12 oz fresh mozzarella pearls halved or mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional) See Note 2

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling and cook the orzo until it is al dente as the package instructs.
  2. Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to cool it down to at least room temperature.
  3. Place the cooled orzo into a large bowl and stir in the pesto until the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Carefully fold in the halved mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes.
  5. Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad if desired.

Notes

  • Note 1: My 10 minute Basil Arugula Pesto Recipe Note 2: Balsamic glaze is a thickened balsamic vinegar and be found at most large chain grocery stores in the vinegar or oil or salad dressing section

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