Recipes Salad Pasta Salad Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes Christmas Pasta Salad 3.0 (1) 1 Review 1 Photo 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 Save Saved! View All Saved Items Rate Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Add Photo 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. I Made It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 331 Calories 11g Fat 44g Carbs 15g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved