Author Notes
I've had so many pesto pasta salads at summer potlucks and picnics, and though they're always tasty, I thought it might be fun to play with the basic idea and totally mix up the herbs and vegetables. My husband is an orzo fiend, so I used that, but I should think other small shaped pastas like ditalini, or even Israeli couscous would also be really good. —fiveandspice
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Ingredients
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1 cup
packed, flat leaf parsley
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1 cup
packed, cilantro
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1 cup
packed, fresh mint
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2 tablespoons
fresh dill
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4
cloves of garlic, chopped
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1/4 cup
olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon
salt
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1 pound
orzo
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3 tablespoons
olive oil, divided
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2
medium zucchinis, cut into quarter inch thick "coins"
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2
yellow summer squash, cut the same way as the zucchini
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1
large Vidalia onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
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2
red chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped
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1/2 cup
pistachios, toasted
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8 ounces
ricotta salata, cut into small cubes (or use feta)
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salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
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In a food processor, pulse together the parsley, cilantro, mint, dill and garlic until finely chopped. Then, add the olive oil in a drizzle while processing to make a smooth herb pistou. Stir in 1/2 tsp. of salt and set aside.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until al dente (9-10 minutes). Drain, transfer to a large bowl and stir in 1 Tbs. olive oil. Then, add the pistou and toss well.
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In a large frying pan heat 1 Tbs. of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced onion, give a stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and cook until soft and browned, 10 or so more minutes. Stir in a little pinch of salt. Then, scrape the onions into the bowl with the orzo.
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Return the pan to the stove, add the remaining 1 Tbs. of olive oil, heat, and then fry the zucchini and summer squash in batches over medium-high heat until golden brown and soft. Remove from the heat and season with a little salt and pepper.
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Toss the orzo with the onion, zucchini, and summer squash. Finally, stir in the pistachios and the ricotta salata or feta. Taste and adjust the seasonings if you wish.
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Serve warm, or cold, or pack along in a massive Tupperware bowl for a picnic!
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