Pesto Orzo
Pesto orzo salad with spiced crispy chickpeas, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, rocket and pine nuts. The orzo cooks in about 10 minutes, so the whole dish is ready in 20, and it's just as good cold the next day.
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 60 g Orzo
- 110 g Chickpeas, canned
- 10 g Pine nuts
- 40 g Sun-dried tomatoes
- 100 g Cherry tomatoes
- 20 g Arugula
- 10 g Pesto sauce
Seasonings and other
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- a pinch Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Turmeric, ground
- ¼ tsp Paprika powder
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the orzo. Cook until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season and Sauté the Chickpeas
Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas, then heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and paprika. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are infused with the spices.
- Combine with Remaining Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the orzo, seasoned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and arugula. Add the pesto sauce and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve and Enjoy
Adjust the seasonings if needed and serve.
Tips for the best pesto orzo
- Cook orzo in plenty of salted water like pasta, and drain it well.
- Toss the orzo with a little olive oil if you're not mixing it straight away, so it doesn't stick.
- Let the chickpeas sizzle in the spices until slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Check your pesto: many contain Parmesan made with animal rennet. Choose a vegetarian or vegan pesto if needed.
Variations
- Warm: serve straight from the pan as a quick dinner.
- Vegan: use a vegan pesto.
- Greens: stir in spinach or peas instead of rocket.
- Feta: crumble over a little feta if you eat dairy.
Storing
Keeps 3 days in the fridge. Add the rocket just before serving so it stays fresh.
Frequently asked questions
What is orzo?
Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. It cooks in about 8–10 minutes.
Is orzo pasta or rice?
Pasta. It just looks like rice. It isn't gluten-free.
Can I eat pesto orzo cold?
Yes. It works as a pasta salad and keeps well for lunches.
What can I add to pesto orzo for protein?
Chickpeas, as in this recipe, white beans, edamame or crumbled tofu.
