Christmas Pasta Salad

Pesto-covered orzo pasta looks like pine needles in this Christmas-inspired pasta salad, while mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes look like tree ornaments.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 331 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese balls or pearls
• 3 large fresh basil leaves, julienned
• 0.33333334326744 cup pesto, or to taste
• 0.25 cup sliced pepperoni, cut into strips

Recipe Instructions

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 3

Mix in basil right before serving.