Pesto Perfect Easy Recipes with Basil Pesto for Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (approximately 60g)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (35g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g), plus extra for serving
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml), plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450g) orzo pasta
• 1 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pint (2 cups/280g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
• Optional: 1/4 cup (40g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped