Pesto Orzo Meal Prep Salad

Directions

  1. 1Cook orzo pasta in boiling water.
  2. 2Drain the cooked orzo using a colander.
  3. 3Transfer the drained orzo to a large mixing bowl.
  4. 4Add spicy Italian sausage to a pan.
  5. 5Cook the sausage until browned.
  6. 6Quarter the cherry tomatoes.
  7. 7Shave parmesan cheese into the bowl.
  8. 8Add cooked sausage, chickpeas, arugula, tomatoes, parmesan, pesto, almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the mixing bowl.
  9. 9Toss all ingredients together until well combined.
  10. 10Serve the salad in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 lb spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 1 can (540 ml) chickpeas
  • 1 large handful baby arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 0.33 cup shaved parmesan
  • 0.5 cup pesto
  • 0.25 cup blanched slivered almonds
  • 0.25 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil
  • 0.5 juice lemon
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

large skillet or saute panlarge potlarge mixing bowlcolanderknifecutting boardtongsvegetable peeler/shavermeasuring spoonmeasuring cup

Tips

  • For best taste, use refrigerated pesto.
  • The salad can be dressed and kept in the fridge for several days, making it great for meal prep.