Ingredients for - Christmas Pasta Salad

1. Uncooked orzo pasta 1 (16 ounce) package
2. Pesto, or to taste ⅓ cup
3. Lemon juice (Optional) 2 teaspoons
4. Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
5. Mozzarella cheese balls or pearls 4 ounces
6. Sliced pepperoni, cut into strips ¼ cup
7. Fresh basil leaves, julienned 3 large

How to cook deliciously - Christmas Pasta Salad

1 . Stage

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.

2 . Stage

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.

3 . Stage

Mix in basil right before serving.