Orzo Pesto Salad
Serving Size: 4 people
DESCRIPTION
Orzo pesto salad is a vibrant and flavorful summer recipe. It features orzo pasta, roasted vegetables, and a dairy-free pesto sauce. So delicious and satisfy for a light lunch, side dish or picnic snack.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
- ⅓ cup dairy-free pesto sauce
- 1 cup yellow bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup zucchini sliced
- ½ cup red onions diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes slice in half
- 1 tablespoon pasta water
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- salt as needed
- black pepper as needed
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or preferred cooking oil
- crushed black pepper optional
METHOD
- Place all sliced zucchini and bell pepper on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake at 400℉ for 15 minutes.
- In a separate dish, combine sliced tomatoes and diced onions with red wine vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook orzo per package instructions. When orzo is cooked, remove some of the pasta water and set aside. Drain, rinse, and place the orzo in a mixing bowl.
- Combine a tablespoon of pasta water to the pesto sauce. Then toss the pesto sauce in the mixing bowl with the orzo.
- Once zucchini and bell pepper are ready, add it to the mixing bowl with the orzo along with pickled onions and tomatoes.
- Toss everything together and garnish with crushed black pepper.
NOTES
- Don't overcook the orzo: To ensure the orzo holds its shape and texture in the salad, only cook it to al dente. Start checking on it a few minutes before the package states.
- Cut evenly: Remember to cut all the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking. This will result in the best flavors and textures in your orzo pesto salad.
- Cool the vegetables: Cool the roasted vegetables before adding them to the salad, preventing any wilting or sogginess.
- Serve chilled: While you can eat it warm, this orzo pesto salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
NUTRITION
Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 587mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 312IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
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