Pesto & Feta Orzo Salad

with peas and rocket

If you’ve never tried orzo before, it’s a type of pasta that’s shaped like a grain of rice. Confusingly though the word ‘orzo’ actually translates from Italian to mean barley…Whatever the origin of the word it also happens to be a great source of carbohydrate for your lunchbox since it travels well and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Like barley, it’s often and traditionally added to soups [think minestrone] but we’re enjoying it here in pesto salad to try and manifest some spring weather!

Ingredients

  • 2 handfuls of rocket leaves

  • 280g orzo [uncooked weight]

  • 280g frozen peas

  • 180g crumbled feta cheese [dairy or dairy-free]

  • 90g pesto [dairy or dairy-free]

  • Handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

  • ½ lemon, juiced

Method

  1. Begin by cooking the orzo as per packet instructions.

  2. Meanwhile cook the peas by adding to a pan of boiling water on the hob or steaming in the microwave.

  3. Once the orzo and peas are cooked add them both to a large bowl followed with the rest of the ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  4. Give it all a good mix until everything is evenly covered in the pesto. Divide between 3 lunchboxes. Enjoy!

Serves 3.

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