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Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Orzo Pesto - This Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto combines fresh vegetables, orzo, and pesto for a light and fresh recipe for lunch or a side dish. This easy side dish/work night meal is ready to eat in 15 minutes and is packed with flavor.
If you like pesto, you might like this
If you like Orzo, you might like thisChicken Pan with Lemon and Orzo ThymeorCreamy chicken, orzo and mushroom soup.
Light Mediterranean pasta salad Orzo Pesto
Fresh, juicy cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives and spinach make this pasta salad a very popular summer potluck/picnic/barbecue side dish.
It can easily become a main meal by adding some tuna, salmon or chicken to a salad or serving it with pasta for a complete meal.
What is pesto?
Pesto is a sauce made from fresh garlic, pine nuts, basil and hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino. The recipe came fromGenova,Italy.
Ingredients for Pesto pasta salad
This simple Mediterranean pasta salad with orzo pesto is made with a handful of ingredients. They are:
Orzo
Rice-shaped pasta also known as risoni. It can be found in the pasta aisle of most supermarkets.
You can make this recipe with any small pasta like macaroni. The orzo is cooked for 6 to 7 minutes.
Sal
Add plenty of salt to the water for cooking the Orzo.
Ingredients for fresh pesto
Fresh basil leaves
Of course, you can use store-bought pesto, but I think homemade pesto is better.
This can be done in a multi-purpose machine or in a pestle and mortar.
pine nuts
I recommend buying them because some stores sell them at a ridiculous price.
I could buy them for half the price in an international supermarket compared to the big supermarkets.
I tend to lightly toast them before using, but this is optional.
Cloves of garlic
You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
Extra virgin olive oil
Use the best quality possible as it is such an important part of the recipe.
Parmesan sir
Use grated fresh parmesan or grana padano.
sun and father
Taste and adjust the spices accordingly.
Kalamata olives, young spinach, arugula, whole (or halved) cherry tomatoes
You can use any vegetables you like, such as red onions, corn, peas, peppers.
Feta sir
Crumbled or chopped Feta into small pieces adds a bit of salty and spicy flavor.
How to prepare Pesto Orzo salad recipe
You can find the full recipe on the recipe tab at the bottom of the page. Here's an overview:
Cook orzo in a large pot of water over high heat until al dente according to package directions.
Strain and rinse under cold water. Place in a bowl and set aside.
At this stage, you can toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for 1 minute until they take on a slightly golden color.
Add the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, oil, salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until a paste forms.
Mix the pesto and pasta in a large bowl, pour the pesto over the cooked orzo and mix.
Add the remaining ingredients - chopped tomatoes, slices of Kalamata olives, chopped feta cheese, some spinach and arugula leaves.
Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy.
How to serve this Mediterranean orzo salad
I think this delicious pasta salad is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat or fish dish. Try with:
Garlic bread
Chicken
Roasted chicken
shrimp
Big green salad
roasted vegetables
What to add to pesto pasta
The great thing about this pasta salad is that you can absolutely make it yourself. Here are some ideas.
- Add meat or fish -Aschicken breast, Roasted chicken,salmon, Cameroon,so we have
- Add peas -Like mixed beans, cannelini beans, chickpeas, broad beans or any other beans.
- change the cheese- Serve with fresh mozzarella, mozzarella pearls, goat cheese or theseHalloumi fries.
- Add vegetables -Like asparagus, chopped cucumber, salty green olives, chopped pepper, dried tomato, roasted pepper.
- Serve with toasted seeds or nuts -Such as pine nuts, sunflower seeds.
- Put crunchy vegetables on top -Like chives/scallions.
- Try a different pasta -Any small form of pasta works for this recipe.
Tips for preparing BESTorzo Pesto salad recipe
Save some water for the pasta.
Save some of the pasta water for a super silky pesto sauce.
At the end, add fresh leaves
If adding fresh leaves, add them at the end so they don't wilt and become mushy.
Throw the noodles in a bowl
Mix the pasta and pesto in a large bowl, not in a hot pan. Basil does not like heat.
Eat the salad at room temperature
This dough is best eaten chilled. Reheating pesto pasta is fine, but it's definitely better cold.
At the end, add a little fresh lemon juice.
This adds some lift and tangy freshness.
Storage for Pesto pasta
You will keep the leftover orzo pasta salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before consumption.
Frequently asked questions about recipes
How long does salada de orzo pesto last?
If you keep it in the fridge in an airtight container, it will keep well for up to 3 days.
Can I make the pesto sauce in advance?
Yes you can. Store in a clean glass and drizzle with a little olive oil. Then close tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
If you like this Pesto Pasta recipe, why not try:
Simple Harissa noodles, creamy and spicy
Chicken noodles with butter
Gigi Hadid Viral Spicy Paste Sem Vodka
Masala pasta with chicken and cheese
Creamy chicken, orzo and mushroom soup
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Light Mediterranean pasta salad Orzo Pesto
Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Orzo Pesto - This Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto combines fresh vegetables, orzo, and pesto for a light and fresh recipe for lunch or a side dish. This easy side dish/work night meal is ready to eat in 15 minutes and is packed with flavor.
a courselunch, party
The kitchenItalian, Mediterranean
key wordMediterranean salad, Pesto Orzo salad, Pesto pasta salad, Pesto salad
Setup time 8 minute
It's time to cook 6 minute
Total time 14 minute
Portions 5
calorie 527 kcal
Author Sapphire
Ingredients
Orzo
- 300gOrzo
- 2teaspoonSal
pesto
- 75gbasil leaves
- 2cloveGarlic
- 40gpine nuts
- 70gParmesanGrateful
- 100mlExtra virgin olive oil
- sun and father
coverage
- HandfulCherry tomatoeswhole or half
- 1soup spoonBlack olivescut into slices
- HandfulSpinach and arugula leaves
- 50glow-fat cheeseit crumbled
instructions
Cook orzo in a large pot of water over high heat until al dente according to package directions.
Strain and rinse under cold water. Place in a bowl and set aside.
At this stage, you can toast the pine nuts in a dry pan for 1 minute until they take on a slightly golden color. Or you can leave them as they are.
Add the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, oil, salt and pepper to a food processor and blend until a paste forms.
Pour the pesto over the cooked orzo and mix.
Add the remaining ingredients - chopped tomatoes, slices of Kalamata olives, chopped feta cheese, some spinach and arugula leaves. Pour into a bowl and enjoy.
recipe notes
How to serve this Mediterranean orzo salad
I think this delicious pasta salad is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat or fish dish. Try with:
Garlic bread
Chicken
Roasted chicken
shrimp
Big green salad
roasted vegetables
What to add to pesto pasta
The great thing about this pasta salad is that you can absolutely make it yourself. Here are some ideas.
- Add meat or fish -Aschicken breast, Roasted chicken,salmon, Cameroon,so we have
- Add peas -Like mixed beans, cannelini beans, chickpeas, broad beans or any other beans.
- change the cheese- Serve with fresh mozzarella, mozzarella pearls, goat cheese or theseHalloumi fries.
- Add vegetables -Like asparagus, chopped cucumber, salty green olives, chopped pepper, dried tomato, roasted pepper.
- Serve with toasted seeds or nuts -Such as pine nuts, sunflower seeds.
- Put crunchy vegetables on top -Like chives/scallions.
- Try a different pasta -Any small form of pasta works for this recipe.
Tips for preparing BESTorzo Pesto salad recipe
Save some water for the pasta.
Save some of the pasta water for a super silky pesto sauce.
At the end, add fresh leaves
If adding fresh leaves, add them at the end so they don't wilt and become mushy.
Throw the noodles in a bowl
Mix the pasta and pesto in a large bowl, not in a hot pan. Basil does not like heat.
Eat the salad at room temperature
This dough is best eaten chilled. Reheating pesto pasta is fine, but it's definitely better cold.
At the end, add a little fresh lemon juice.
This adds some lift and tangy freshness.
Storage for Pesto pasta
You will keep the leftover orzo pasta salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before consumption.
Frequently asked questions about recipes
How long does salada de orzo pesto last?
If you keep it in the fridge in an airtight container, it will keep well for up to 3 days.
Can I make the pesto sauce in advance?
Yes you can. Store in a clean glass and drizzle with a little olive oil. Then close tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Nutritional information
Light Mediterranean pasta salad Orzo Pesto
Amount per serving
calorie527Calories from fat 279
% daily value*
Gordo31g48%
Saturated fat 7 g44%
Polyunsaturated fats 5g
Monounsaturated fats 17 g
Cholesterol18 mg6%
Sodium1298 mg56%
Potassium251 mg7%
carbohydrates48g16%
Fiber 3g13%
sugar 2g2%
Protein16g32%
vitamin A952 UI19%
Vitamin C3 mg4%
Calcium259 mg26%
iron2 mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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FAQs
Is orzo OK on Mediterranean diet? ›
Yes, orzo is part of the Mediterranean diet along with fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. What does a Mediterranean salad contain? Each recipe varies but most contain a variety of veggies, olives, and a zesty dressing.
What is orzo made from? ›Orzo is made from semolina, a coarser, often golden color flour that comes from durum wheat and has a high gluten content. But don't be confused — orzo isn't a whole grain, although you can purchase a whole-wheat version.
Is orzo healthier than rice and pasta? ›A. Rice and orzo contain a significant amount of nutrients like protein and carbs; orzo has a higher concentration of these two nutrients. These nutrients help replenish the body's energy and heal the tissues from within. Therefore, a higher concentration of this makes orzo the better option.
Which is healthier orzo or pasta? ›Orzo is commonly made from white flour, but it can be made from whole-grain flour as well, making it a healthier pasta option.
Should you rinse pasta before making pasta salad? ›Pasta should never, ever be rinsed for a warm dish. The starch in the water is what helps the sauce adhere to your pasta. The only time you should ever rinse your pasta is when you are going to use it in a cold dish like a pasta salad or when you are not going to use it immediately.
Is it better to make pasta salad the night before? ›Yes! I actually recommend making this 8 to 12 hours before you plan to enjoy it so the flavors continue to build. Just refrigerate in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before serving so the dressing doesn't stay sitting in the bottom of your bowl.
What are the side effects of orzo? ›Yes, Orzo 10mg/20mg Capsule is safe for most of the patients. However, in some patients it may cause common side effects like diarrhea, stomach pain, flatulence, dryness in the mouth, dizziness, headache and other uncommon and rare side effects.
What is a healthier version of orzo? ›What is a healthy substitute for orzo? Cauliflower rice, quinoa, couscous and pearl barley are all lower in carbs than orzo. Fregola, farro and lentils are also packed with vitamins and minerals making them a super healthy replacement for orzo.
Is orzo good for diabetics? ›In more good news, there are whole-grain versions of orzo available. They can be somewhat harder to find, so an online grocer or retailer is a good option. Whole grains are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber that help reduce your risk of developing certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Should orzo be rinsed? ›Test Kitchen Tip: Rinse the orzo only if it will be baked or served cool in a salad. Otherwise, do not rinse; rinsing removes a light coating of starch that helps sauces and seasonings cling to the pasta.
What is the healthiest type of pasta dish? ›
The healthiest types of pasta include whole wheat pasta, as well as bean and vegetable based noodles. Serve a balanced portion of pasta (¼ of your plate) and go easy on the sauce and cheese.
What is the healthiest pasta for weight loss? ›If you're trying to lose weight but craving pasta, stick to whole-wheat versions, or try new bean- and legume-based noodles that offer more protein and fiber. Zoodles and other vegetable "pastas" offer a low-cal alternative, but you'll want to eat them with more protein on the side.
Is pasta better for you than potatoes? ›Baked, mashed, or boiled, potatoes actually provide more energy-delivering complex carbohydrates than a cup of pasta. All varieties--russet, red, yellow, purple, and sweet--contain impressive quantities of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they're easy to digest and prepare.
Is orzo good for your gut? ›Overall, orzo is a great addition to a healthy diet because of its benefits to digestion, heart health, and the immune system. Its low glycemic index, fiber, and B vitamins make it a great choice for those looking to add nutritious and delicious options to their diets.
What to avoid when making salad? ›- Creamy Dressings. These are probably the worst dressings you can choose. ...
- Glazed Nuts. Nuts are healthy fats and a great addition to any salad — that is, until they're kettle-cooked and glazed with sugar. ...
- Crunchy Tortilla Chips or Shells. ...
- Fried Chicken or Shrimp. ...
- Cheese. ...
- "Craisins" ...
- Croutons.
There are five elements to a perfect salad: greens, sweetness, creaminess, crunchiness, and dressing.
Why do you rinse pasta for pasta salad? ›Rinsing your pasta also stops the cooking process, which will ensure that your pasta isn't overcooked and mushy. By washing away the starchy film on the pasta, you're guaranteeing that when you toss the pasta with your other salad components and dressing, the pasta won't stick together or clump.
Why is pasta rinsed in cold water after boiling? ›Rinsing the pasta after cooking
Shocking pasta with cold water after it comes out of the pot will indeed stop the pasta from cooking more, but it will also rinse away all the delightful starch that helps sauce cling to noodles.
Because starch needs to be heated to gel properly, soaking pasta in cold water will allow you to hydrate it without worrying about it sticking together. Once it's fully hydrated, you've just got to finish it off in your sauce and you're ready to serve.
What kind of pasta is good for Mediterranean diet? ›The Mediterranean diet encourages upping your intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and extra-virgin olive oil. Therefore, pasta (whole grain pasta, in particular), can absolutely be part of a Mediterranean diet. Chickpea noodles are also encouraged in Mediterranean pasta recipes.
Is orzo pasta inflammatory? ›
It's loaded with nutrients that provide digestive support, is anti-inflammatory, promotes heart health, and is packed with antioxidants. It can be eaten raw, sautéed, steamed, or roasted.
What rice can you eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›Eat a variety of whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, and brown rice). Limit refined grains (like white rice and white bread).
What grains are OK on Mediterranean diet? ›Barley, buckwheat, bulgur, farro, freekeh, millet, oats, brown rice, rye, and spelt form the foundation of Mediterranean whole grain eating, with breads, pasta, polenta, and porridges all making regular appearances.