Introducing our sensational Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad! This Mediterranean-inspired delight combines al dente orzo pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, tangy capers, crisp cucumber, sweet bell peppers, creamy feta, and protein-rich chickpeas. Tossed in a homemade lemon mint pesto, every bite bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful!
Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad Ingredients:
- Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta, adds texture and absorbs flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, adds freshness and color.
- Artichoke Hearts: Tender and nutty, contributes a unique flavor.
- Capers: Briny and tangy, provides a burst of flavor.
- Cucumber: Cool and crisp, adds refreshing crunch.
- Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy, adds vibrant color.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, adds richness.
- Chickpeas: Protein-rich, adds heartiness and nutty flavor.
- Lemon Mint Pesto: Adds zesty freshness and herbaceous flavor.
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
Can I make this Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Making the Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad ahead of time is a great idea. In fact, it can be even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a delicious and convenient dish ready to go!
Can I use a store-bought pesto instead for this Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! While homemade lemon mint pesto adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad, using a store-bought pesto is a convenient alternative, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality store-bought pesto that you enjoy, and adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences. Simply toss the store-bought pesto with the cooked orzo pasta and other salad ingredients until everything is well coated. It’s a quick and easy way to assemble the salad while still enjoying delicious flavors!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily transform this Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad into a vegan delight. Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative, and ensure that the ingredients, including the orzo pasta and pesto, are vegan-friendly. By making these simple adjustments, you’ll have a flavorful vegan dish that’s perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Should I serve this Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad warm or cold?
You can serve this versatile Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad either warm or cold, depending on your preference and the occasion. If you prefer a comforting dish, serve it warm shortly after preparing it. Alternatively, chilling the salad in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful cold salad. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this salad is sure to be a hit at any meal!
How do I store leftover Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad?
To store leftover Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the salad fresh. It will typically last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, you can add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavors. Enjoy your delicious leftovers within the recommended storage time for the best taste and texture!
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Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup artichoke hearts quartered
- 2 tbsp capers drained
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz) drained and rinsed
For the Lemon Mint Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts toasted
- 2 cloves garlic
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.1 cup orzo pasta
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, mint leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts, 2 cloves garlic, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, cucumber, bell pepper, feta cheese, and chickpeas.1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup artichoke hearts, 2 tbsp capers, 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 can chickpeas
- Pour the homemade lemon mint pesto over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or mint leaves before serving, if desired.
Video
@cookinglikekate Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad – Full recipe at cookinglikekate.com
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Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Very easy to prepare. Loved the taste!