Cold Pesto Orzo Salad (Printer View)

Make-ahead cold orzo with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella—ideal for picnics and light lunches.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 ounces orzo pasta

→ Vegetables & Herbs

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Cheese

04 - 6 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved

→ Dressing

05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto
06 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes according to package guidance. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until smooth; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Add the cooled orzo to the bowl with the dressing, then fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella and torn basil leaves. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing while taking care not to crush the cheese.
04 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or up to 24 hours for make-ahead convenience.
05 - Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. If it appears dry, drizzle an additional teaspoon or two of olive oil and re-season to taste.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge—one of those rare recipes that rewards you for preparing ahead.
  • It’s unfussy, customizable, and always vanishes quickly at picnics or potlucks.
02 -
  • If you skip rinsing the orzo after cooking, you’ll end up with a sticky clump that refuses to mix well.
  • Letting the salad chill truly changes everything—the flavors settle in together so much more.
03 -
  • Always taste and adjust just before serving—salads need last-minute love, too.
  • A drizzle of olive oil right before you eat keeps everything glistening and bright.
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