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30-Minute Trader Joe’s Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

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4 from 26 reviews

This vibrant 30-minute Trader Joe’s Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo pasta with a flavorful vegan kale cashew basil pesto and Green Goddess dressing for a creamy, herbaceous base. Mixed with marinated fresh mozzarella pearls, sweet Minzano tomatoes, fresh baby arugula, and crunchy roasted Marcona almonds, this salad delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal or a festive side dish, it can be served chilled or at room temperature, garnished with balsamic glaze and freshly ground black pepper.

  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 oz Trader Joe’s Orzo Pasta

Dressing & Sauce

  • 7 oz Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale Cashew and Basil Pesto
  • ½ cup Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Mix-ins

  • 8 oz Trader Joe’s Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
  • 10 oz Trader Joe’s Heavenly Villagio Minzano Tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups Trader Joe’s Baby Arugula
  • ½ cup Trader Joe’s Roasted and Salted Marcona Almonds, roughly chopped

Garnish

  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to chill it completely. This step prevents clumping and controls the pasta’s absorption of the dressing.
  2. Make the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the vegan kale cashew and basil pesto with the Green Goddess salad dressing until smooth and well combined.
  3. Coat the pasta: Add the chilled orzo to the bowl with the dressing. Then add the marinated fresh mozzarella pearls along with about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the mozzarella container. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and oil.
  4. Fold in the mix-ins: Gently add the halved Minzano tomatoes and baby arugula to the bowl. Toss lightly so the arugula softens and integrates with the dressing without wilting excessively.
  5. Finish and serve: Just before serving, fold in the roughly chopped roasted and salted Marcona almonds to retain their crispiness. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and finish with freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Rinsing the orzo with cold water after cooking cools it quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
  • The oil from the marinated mozzarella pearls adds extra flavor and richness, so be sure to include it.
  • Add the almonds last to maintain their crunchy texture.
  • You can customize this salad by swapping arugula for baby spinach or other greens.
  • The salad can be made ahead and stored chilled for up to 24 hours, but add almonds just before serving for best texture.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/30-minute-trader-joes-orzo-pasta-salad-recipe/