Recipes Salad Pasta Salad Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes Christmas Pasta Salad 3.5 (2) 2 Reviews 2 Photos The orzo in this salad is reminiscent of pine needles and when dressed in pesto brings a lovely green hue. Perlini mozzarella balls become ornaments, as do cherry tomatoes and ribbons of basil and pepperoni. I do not add salt as I find the pepperoni and pesto to be ample enough. Additional toppings to consider are slivers of red onion, black olives, and diced green bell pepper. I don't like balsamic vinegar, thus the lemon juice. Submitted by thedailygourmet Published on January 16, 2020 Save Rate Print Share Close Add Photo Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Additional Time: 8 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs 35 mins Servings: 8 Yield: 8 servings Jump to Nutrition Facts Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 1x 2x 4x Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it. Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked orzo pasta ⅓ cup pesto, or to taste 2 teaspoons lemon juice (Optional) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 4 ounces mozzarella cheese balls or pearls ¼ cup sliced pepperoni, cut into strips 3 large fresh basil leaves, julienned Directions 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. 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. Mix in basil right before serving. I Made It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 331 Calories 11g Fat 44g Carbs 15g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 8 Calories 331 % Daily Value * Total Fat 11g 14% Saturated Fat 4g 20% Cholesterol 20mg 7% Sodium 289mg 13% Total Carbohydrate 44g 16% Dietary Fiber 2g 8% Total Sugars 3g Protein 15g 29% Vitamin C 5mg 6% Calcium 198mg 15% Iron 2mg 13% Potassium 187mg 4% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.