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Super Green Lemony Pesto Orzo Salad

with Spiced Courgette, Peas and Cheese
Emma Blanchet
Emma BlanchetUpdated on January 23, 2026
Calories
727 kcal
Protein
21.9g protein
Total
20 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Allergens:
  • Cereals containing gluten
  • Wheat
  • Nuts
  • Cashew nuts
  • Milk
  • May contain traces of allergens
  • Celery
  • Peanut
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
serving amount

180 grams

Orzo

(Contains: Cereals containing gluten, Wheat)

2 unit(s)

Garlic Clove

1 unit(s)

Courgette

(Contains: May contain traces of allergens, Celery)

1 unit(s)

Lemon

120 grams

Peas

60 grams

Basil Pesto

(Contains: Nuts, Cashew nuts, Milk, May contain traces of allergens, Peanut)

1 sachet(s)

Chermoula Spice Mix

50 grams

Greek Style Salad Cheese

(Contains: Milk)

20 grams

Wild Rocket

Not included in your delivery

½ tsp

Sugar

1 tbsp

Olive Oil for the Dressing

Energy (kJ)3042 kJ
Energy (kcal)727 kcal
Fat31.7 g
of which saturates7 g
Carbohydrate81.4 g
of which sugars13.2 g
Dietary Fibre9.1 g
Protein21.9 g
Salt2 g
Potassium32.6 mg
Calcium54.6 mg
Iron1 mg
Always refer to the product label for the most accurate ingredient and allergen information.
Kettle
Large Saucepan
Zester
Chopping Board
Grater
Knife
Large Frying Pan
Large Bowl
Sieve

Instructions

1

a) Boil a half-full kettle.

b) Pour the boiled water into a large saucepan with 0.5 tsp salt on high heat.

c) When boiling, add the orzo to the water and bring back to the boil.

d) Cook until tender, 10 mins. 

2

a) While the orzo cooks, peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).

b) Trim the courgette, then halve lengthways. Slice widthways into 1cm thick pieces.

c) Zest and cut the lemon into wedges.

3

a) Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on high heat. When hot, add the courgette and cook until charred, 6-8 mins total. Turn only every couple of mins.

b) Once cooked, lower the heat to medium-high, add the peas and stir-fry, 2-3 mins.

c) Add the garlic and chermoula spice mix and fry until fragrant, 30 secs more.

d) Remove from the heat, season with salt and pepper and a pinch of lemon zest. Set aside for later.

4

a) Once the orzo is cooked, drain in a sieve and run under cold water. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

b) In a large bowl, combine the pesto, a pinch of lemon zest, sugar, olive oil for the dressing (see pantry for both amounts) and juice from half the lemon. 

c) Season with salt and pepper, then crumble in half the Greek style salad cheese.

5

a) When everything's ready, add the cooked veg, orzo and rocket to the pesto dressing. Toss to combine.

b) Taste and season with salt, pepper and more lemon juice if you feel it needs it. 

6

a) Share the pesto orzo salad between your serving bowls. 

b) Crumble over the remaining cheese to finish. 

Enjoy!

Customer reviews

Review summary

Updated on Feb 2026
  • Flavour: Many enjoyed the fresh, summery taste; some found it a bit bland and suggested adding more lemon or garlic for extra zing.
  • Ease of prep: Quick and simple to prepare, with most finding it ready in under 25 minutes as promised.
  • Suggestions: Consider adding roasted tomatoes or peppers for crunch and flavour; try it hot or cold for different experiences.
  • Next-day meals: Several reviewers noted it makes excellent leftovers, with some preferring it cold for lunch the next day.
  • Texture: Some loved the orzo, while others suggested using different pasta shapes like penne for varied texture.
AI-generated from customer reviews

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