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orzo pesto pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl.
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Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

This easy orzo pesto pasta salad is made with tender orzo, mini mozzarella balls, and sweet baby plum tomatoes, all mixed with your favorite pesto - perfect for summer meals or light lunches.
Course Pasta Recipes, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 - 6 servings
Calories 711kcal
Author Adina

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 lb orzo
  • ¾ cup pesto Note 1
  • 9 oz small tomatoes Note 2
  • 4.5 oz mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 small handful basil
  • fine sea salt and ground black pepper
US - EU

Instructions

  • Cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Drain well and return it to the pot.
    1 lb orzo
  • Stir the pesto into the warm orzo and let it cool slightly while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
    ¾ cup pesto
  • Chop: Quarter the mozzarella balls and the tomatoes. Finely slice the basil leaves.
    9 oz small tomatoes + 4.5 oz mini mozzarella balls + 1 small handful basil
  • Combine salad: Add the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to the orzo. Stir gently to combine.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
    fine sea salt and ground black pepper

Notes

  1. Pesto: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought pesto.
  2. Tomatoes: Preferably cherry, grape, or mini plum tomatoes. However, regular, chopped tomatoes work, too.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 of the dish | Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1724IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 2mg