Orzo pasta salad with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. The combination of orzo pasta, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella creates a vibrant and colorful salad that is packed with flavor. The basil pesto adds a nutty and herbaceous flavor to the salad, while the cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella add a pop of sweetness and creaminess. This salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add other ingredients such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or nuts to make it a more substantial meal.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ORZO PASTA SALAD
Quick and easy to make this Orzo Pasta Salad is a summer favourite. This tasty pasta salad combines creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes and salty kalamata olives with orzo and a very quick lemon, pesto dressing.
Provided by Michelle Alston
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook 180g or 1 US cup of orzo according to the packet. Once cooked, drain in a colander then rinse under the cold tap. Stir in half a tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil and leave the pasta to cool fully.Transfer to a large bowl or serving dish.
- Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to a small bowl, pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the juice of half a large lemon, stir well.
- Once the pasta has cooled add the chopped onion, cherry tomatoes, feta and the kalamata olives to the pasta.Pour the pesto dressing into the bowl then add the basil and pine nuts and toss carefully.
- Season with cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste. The serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 11 g, Fat 20.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Cholesterol 22 mg, Sodium 427 mg, Fiber 3.3 g, Sugar 5.9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ORZO PESTO SALAD WITH TOMATOES & FRESH MOZZARELLA
With classic Caprese flavours of tomato, basil, and fresh mozzarella, orzo pesto salad is a great make-ahead side dish for any meal!
Provided by Kelly Neil
Categories Sides
Time 37m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions. When the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Rinse the orzo with cool water and drain twice more.
- Place the drained, cooled orzo in a large bowl. Stir in the pesto. Depending on how thick you pesto is, you may need to add some olive oil to loosen up the pasta. Drizzle olive oil in as needed.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and tear the basil leaves into small pieces. Toss both into the bowl of orzo along with the spinach. Give everything a good stir to mix and add more olive oil if needed.
- Tear the bocconcini into bite sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature as a meal or as a side.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 113 g, Calories 259 kcal, Carbohydrate 26 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Sodium 314 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g
BARILLA® ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL PESTO, CHERRY TOMATOES & FRESH MOZZARELLA | BARILLA
Looking for an authentic Italian recipe? Try Barilla's step-by-step recipe for Barilla® Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella for a delicious meal!
Provided by Barilla
Categories Blue Box
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt.
- Cook pasta 1 minute under required cooking time, drain and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Place on sheet tray to cool down.
- In a blender combine: garlic, half of the pine nuts, and basil, pulse for a few seconds.
- Slowly drizzle in remaining olive oil to emulsify the pesto.
- Add half the Parmigiano and pulse, season with salt and pepper, set aside.
- In a large bowl combine, pesto and pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Fold in remaining cheeses, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.
BARILLA® ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH BASIL PESTO, CHERRY TOMATOES & FRESH MOZZARELLA | BARILLA CANADA
Looking for an authentic Pasta Italian recipe? Try this step-by-step recipe for Barilla® Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella
Provided by Barilla
Categories Classic Blue Box
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt.
- Cook pasta 1 minute under required cooking time, drain and toss with 2 tbsp. olive oil.
- Place on sheet tray to cool down.
- In a blender combine: garlic, half of the pine nuts, and basil, pulse for a few seconds.
- Slowly drizzle in remaining olive oil to emulsify the pesto.
- Add half the Parmigiano and pulse, season with salt and pepper, set aside.
- In a large bowl combine, pesto and pasta and stir to incorporate.
- Fold in remaining cheeses, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.
FRESH MOZZARELLA PASTA SALAD
A take on a traditional Caprese, but modified into a light summer pasta salad that goes great with anything off the grill, or just on its own. When I eat it on its own, I sometimes add about a cup of any chunked, cold sausage (I suggest pepperoni or a lighter summer sausage). Any pasta is fine, but I like the orzo's size.
Provided by Meghan
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Italian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, but still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain well, and let cool.
- Mix the mozzarella cheese cubes, tomatoes, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt with olive oil in a salad bowl. Gently mix in the orzo pasta, and toss lightly to coat the ingredients with oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Carbohydrate 42.5 g, Cholesterol 35.4 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 69 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
ORZO SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS & CHERRY TOMATOES
This delicious summer salad features protein-rich chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and hearty orzo pasta. Sprinkle in fresh halved cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, chopped mint and basil, then dress with a lemon vinaigrette and you've got a simple - and simply winning - meal.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook the orzo according to package directions. I strongly suggest adding a couple teaspoons of salt or so to the water for extra flavor.
- Throw the orzo into a large bowl with the tomatoes, onion, drained garbanzo beans, basil, and mint.
- In a small bowl, make the vinaigrette: Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and olive oil.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the orzo, veggies, and herbs, and toss gently until well incorporated.
- Season to taste with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
- Great when served at room temperature, but also refreshing served chilled.
TOMATO AND BASIL ORZO SALAD
This is from sunset. Posting for safe keeping Times are approximate Notes: Serve this warm salad as a main dish for a light lunch or as a dinner companion to grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
Provided by wicked cook 46
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until barely tender to bite, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, rinse and core tomatoes; chop and place in a large bowl. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar; mix gently.
- Drain pasta well and add to tomato mixture. Mix, adding parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
Tips:
- Choose the right orzo pasta. Look for a small, grain-shaped pasta that will hold its shape when cooked.
- Cook the orzo pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is slightly firm to the bite.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
- Make the basil pesto ahead of time. This will save you time when you're assembling the salad.
- Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way.
- Serve the salad immediately. Orzo pasta salad is best when it's fresh.
Conclusion:
Orzo pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. With its bright flavors and colorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new salad recipe, give orzo pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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