Best 7 Orzo Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto Cherry Tomatoes And Fresh Mozzarella Recipes

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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



Orzo Pasta Salad image

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

180 g uncooked orzo (1 US cup + 1 tbsp)
1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp toasted pine nuts (+ more for serving (optional))
1 small red onion (80g or 3/4 US firmly packed cup) (finely chopped)
12 kalamata olives (pitted and sliced)
100 g feta (1 US cup) (cut into small cubes)
150 g cherry tomatoes (5.5oz or 1 US cup) (cut into quarters)
The juice of half a lemon
2 1/2 heaped tbsp vegetarian green pesto
Black pepper and sea salt to season
A small handful of fresh basil (chopped)

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



Orzo Pesto Salad With Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella image

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

1 ½ cups orzo (uncooked)
1 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon olive oil (and up to ¼ cup (63ml))
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup baby spinach (fresh)
⅓ cup basil (fresh leaves)
6 balls bocconcini (fresh mozzarella) (or any amount that equals 150g)
salt and pepper (to taste)

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



Barilla® Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella | Barilla image

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

1 box Barilla® Orzo
8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
½ cup toasted pine nuts, divided
1 small bunch basil
1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
2 balls fresh mozzarella, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

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



Barilla® Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella | Barilla Canada image

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

1 box Barilla Orzo
8 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
½ cup toasted pine nuts, divided
1 small bunch basil
1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
2 balls fresh mozzarella, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

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



Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Salad image

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

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 ½ cups cubed fresh mozzarella cheese
2 fresh plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed

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



Orzo Salad with Chickpeas & Cherry Tomatoes image

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

2 cups orzo
1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained
2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
3/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion (like Walla Walla)
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

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



Tomato and Basil Orzo Salad image

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

1 1/2 cups dried orzo pasta
1 1/4 lbs firm-ripe tomatoes, at room temperature
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaf
1 -2 garlic clove, peeled and minced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
about 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

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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