Orzo Salad with Homemade Pesto, Bocconcini, Tomato and Pine Recipe
nuts Serve this on a bed of quinoa and some good hot sauce on the side. It can also be used as a healthy vegetable side dish. If you use it as a side dish, feel free to leave the tofu out.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup uncooked orzo*
- ¼ cup classic basil pesto, delicious
- dish
- 2-3 tbsp. pasta water
- 1 cup bocconcini balls, cut into ½ inch dice
- or use bocconcini pearls
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tbsp. toasted pine nuts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- Freshly ground pepper and flaked sea
- salt (I use maldon)
Instructions
- 1
In a pot of boiling salted (about 1 tbsp. salt) water, cook the orzo until al-dente (follow package directions). Save some pasta water. Drain.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, add the pesto, thin with a few tbsp. pasta water. Add the cooked orzo, toss to coat. Let cool. Save the pasta water (even overnight).
- 3
When cool, add the cheese, lemon zest and pine nuts.
- 4
Before serving, loosen the orzo with additional pasta water, add tomatoes, pepper and flaked sea salt. Serves 6 If making the day before, save the pasta water in the fridge and refrigerate the orzo salad overnight but bring to room temp for several hours before serving.
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most sides keep well for 3-4 days. Dress salads just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Make Ahead Tip
- Many sides can be prepped in advance. Chop vegetables and make dressings ahead of time, then assemble just before serving.
- Serving Tip
- This pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
You Might Also Like
More sides & salads recipes→
Sides & Salads
Zucchini Quinoa Fritters
These little zucchini quinoa gems are super easy and freeze so well. They are too delicious to save only for passover, use them all year ‘round. If you like, the addition of about 1 cup of cheese to this mixture is great as well!
July 23, 2022
Sides & Salads
Watermelon, Feta, Tomato and Cucumber - I Love Summer Salad
This salad screams summer. The combination of the salty feta and the sweet watermelon is so delicious. It is refreshing and so satisfying.
July 9, 2022
Sides & Salads
Simple Tomato Herb Salad
This easy tomato salad can be served as a side dish. It is fairly neutral and quite refreshing. A perfect accompaniment to well-seasoned meat or fish dishes.
June 13, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Orzo Salad with Homemade Pesto, Bocconcini, Tomato and Pine?
This Orzo Salad with Homemade Pesto, Bocconcini, Tomato and Pine recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 11 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
What goes well with this orzo salad with homemade pesto, bocconcini, tomato and pine?
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.