Christmas Pasta Salad

Name: Christmas Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 515 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta; 0.33333334326744 cup pesto, or to taste; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 ounces mozzarella cheese balls or pearls; 0.25 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into strips; 3 large fresh basil leaves, julienned

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The orzo in this salad is reminiscent of pine needles and when dressed in pesto brings a lovely green hue. Perlini mozzarella balls become ornaments, as do cherry tomatoes and ribbons of basil and pepperoni. I do not add salt as I find the pepperoni and pesto to be ample enough. Additional toppings to consider are slivers of red onion, black olives, and diced green bell pepper. I don't like balsamic vinegar, thus the lemon juice.

Recipe by thedailygourmet

Published on January 16, 2020

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

8 hrs

Total Time:

8 hrs 35 mins

Servings:

8

Yield:

8 servings

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
⅓ cup pesto, or to taste
2 teaspoons lemon juice (Optional)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces mozzarella cheese balls or pearls
¼ cup sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
3 large fresh basil leaves, julienned

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Add pesto and lemon juice to the orzo; toss to coat. Mix in tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, and pepperoni strips. Refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
Mix in basil right before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

331	Calories
11g	Fat
44g	Carbs
15g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 331
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g	14%
Saturated Fat 4g	20%
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 289mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate 44g	16%
Dietary Fiber 2g	8%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 15g
Vitamin C 5mg	25%
Calcium 198mg	15%
Iron 2mg	13%
Potassium 187mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.