Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Pesto and Olives
This delightful Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Pesto and Olives combines the nutty flavor of orzo pasta with rich, vibrant pesto and tangy black olives. Perfect as a light main dish or a side, this recipe captures the essence of European cuisine in every bite. The fresh ingredients and aromatic pesto make it a refreshing option for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and share this crowd-pleaser with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
115
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
orzo pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
sliced black olives
3 7/8 ounces (drained)
pesto sauce
1/3 cup (homemade or prepared)
grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (the good stuff, if possible)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 2-1/2 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7-8 minutes or until al dente.
2
Once cooked, drain the orzo pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo with 3 7/8 ounces of sliced black olives and 1/3 cup of pesto sauce. Gently toss the ingredients until the orzo is evenly coated with pesto.
4
Sprinkle 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Toss everything together until well combined.
5
For optimal flavor, serve immediately, or allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
14g
Carbs
3g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Pesto and Olives?
It is a refreshing dish combining nutty orzo pasta with aromatic pesto and tangy black olives, perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
There are approximately 115 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are orzo pasta, sliced black olives, pesto sauce, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
How long does it take to cook the orzo?
The orzo typically takes about 7 to 8 minutes to cook until it is al dente.
How much orzo pasta is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of uncooked orzo pasta.
What type of olives should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 7/8 ounces of drained, sliced black olives.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of either homemade or prepared pesto sauce.
Does this recipe include cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the orzo after it has finished boiling?
Drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Can this salad be served immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately, though chilling is recommended for better flavor.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For optimal flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 4.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 3g of protein.
How much fiber is in the Mediterranean Orzo Salad?
The salad contains approximately 0.7g of fiber per serving.
How much water should I use to boil the pasta?
You should bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
Do the olives need any special preparation?
The olives should be sliced and drained before being added to the mixing bowl.
Is there a specific recommendation for the parmesan cheese?
The recipe suggests using 'the good stuff' for the grated parmesan if possible.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 6 ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for summer events?
Yes, it is a refreshing option for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you can season with salt and pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include orzo, pasta salad, mediterranean, pesto, black olives, side dish, summer salad, easy recipe, and quick meal.
Should the orzo be cooked until soft?
The recipe recommends cooking the orzo until it is al dente.
Is this dish considered a main or a side?
It is versatile and can be served as either a light main dish or a side dish.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe captures the essence of European and Mediterranean cuisine.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific sugar content.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
The sodium content is not specified in the provided recipe information.
Is there any cholesterol in this salad?
Cholesterol information is not provided in the current nutritional breakdown.
How do I mix the ingredients together?
Combine the cooled orzo, olives, and pesto in a bowl and gently toss until evenly coated before adding cheese.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with only 6 ingredients and simple steps, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe.