Christmas Pasta Salad
Description
Pesto-covered orzo pasta looks like pine needles in this Christmas-inspired pasta salad, while mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes look like tree ornaments.
Ingredients
•
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
•
1/3 cup pesto, or to taste
•
2 teaspoons lemon juice
•
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
•
4 ounces mozzarella cheese balls or pearls
•
1/4 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into strips
•
3 large fresh basil leaves, julienned
Directions
1
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.
2
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.
3
Mix in basil right before serving.