Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

When going to a cookout, barbecue, potluck, or other gathering, pasta salad is a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit. While I have several delicious pasta salad recipes here at When Is Dinner that I hope you’ll try, Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is a unique, interesting, and yummy twist on Pasta Salad. My kids LOVE orzo 🙂

Don’t miss these other Pasta Salad favorites too:

Cook orzo according to package directions.
Meanwhile, begin to make the sauce/dressing.
In a blender or food processor, combine basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
Blend until smooth.
When orzo is done, drain. (Do not rinse)
Put back in the pot or in a serving dish and pour basil mixture on top immediately while orzo is hot.
Toss to coat.
Serve warm or cold.
Optional – add grated parmesan to the pasta while warm or sprinkle with grated parmesan

Lemon Basil Orzo Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1 lb orzo pasta
Juice and zest of 1 medium lemon
1 fresh basil leaves
1/3 olive oil
4 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
Optional – grated parmesan

Instructions

Cook orzo according to package directions.
Meanwhile, begin to make the sauce/dressing.
In a blender or food processor, combine basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
Blend until smooth.
When orzo is done, drain. (Do not rinse)
Put back in the pot or in a serving dish and pour basil mixture on top immediately while orzo is hot.
Toss to coat.
Serve warm or cold.
Optional – add grated parmesan to the pasta while warm or sprinkle with grated parmesan