Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale Pesto

 

Easy and quick pasta salad. For vegetables and protein, you really can add whatever you have on hand! This is a kale pesto, but any pesto would work here (basil, cilantro, etc.). 

Orzo Pasta Salad with Kale Pesto

based on The Roasted Root

Ingredients:

16 oz. box orzo pasta

2-4 cups vegetables (broccoli, onion, zucchini, whatever you have on hand)

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped small

(optional) 2-4 cups protein, cooked (diced chicken, beans, etc.)

Pesto:

4 cups kale, packed

2 cups basil, packed

1/2 cup raw walnuts

1/2 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup Parmesan

3 Tbs. vinegar, rice or other

4 cloves garlic

3/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain, and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables (steam, fry, etc.). Add to the orzo. Add protein is using.

3. In a food processor, add peeled garlic cloves and mince. Add remaining pesto ingredients (except oil) and pulse until a paste forms.

4. While the food processor is running, drizzle oil into pesto until combined.

5. Add pesto to pasta and stir to combine.