Easy Orzo Salad with Pesto Recipe You Must Try
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
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
- Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling and cook the orzo until it is al dente as the package instructs.
- Drain the orzo and rinse it with cold water to cool it down to at least room temperature.
- Place the cooled orzo into a large bowl and stir in the pesto until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Carefully fold in the halved mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes.
- 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
Nutrition
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 5.6g
- Sodium: 116mg
- Fat: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Protein: 16.6g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/easy-orzo-salad-with-pesto/