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This Pesto Orzo Salad with tomatoes is a simple 3 ingredient pasta salad recipe that comes together in about 15 minutes! It’s made with orzo pasta, basil pesto and juicy red cherry tomatoes, making it the perfect fresh and light meal for everyone to enjoy! Recipe includes step-by-step instruction video!
If you are looking for more recipes using basil pesto, check out this delicious Baked Pesto Chicken Recipe perfect for family dinners, or this Creamy Tomato Pesto Shrimp Pasta and Prosciutto and Roasted Pepper Sandwich with Pesto Mayo!
Table of Contents
- Pesto Orzo Salad
- You’ll Love This Recipe! Here’s Why…
- What is Pesto Pasta Salad?
- Where is Orzo Pasta From?
- Is Orzo a Pasta or Rice?
- How to Make This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- Variations and Substitutions
- See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!
- If You Love This Pasta Salad Recipe, You’ll Want to Check Out These Other Salad Recipes Next!
- Pesto Orzo Salad Recipe
- DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
- ARE YOU STILL HUNGRY?
Pesto Orzo Salad
A light, fresh, super simple salad recipe is always something I enjoy, especially during the warmer summer months! This orzo salad is no different, it only requires 3 ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes making it quick, easy and delicious.
The fresh flavours of the basil and tomatoes combined with the light texture of the orzo make this recipe one you want to try. So, if you’re a fan of this simple orzo salad, you’ll also want to check out this Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta as well!
You’ll Love This Recipe! Here’s Why…
- Only Requires 3 Ingredients – orzo pasta, basil pesto and cherry tomatoes, this means it ready in no time.
- Versatile – serve this recipe hot or cold with a variety of add-ins such as vegetables, proteins and cheeses!
- Perfect Make Ahead Meal – this is a great recipe is prep ahead of time and pack for weekday grab and go lunches or ready in no time dinners.
- A Great Choice for Pasta Salad Lovers – this salad has great flavour, is light and fresh and just so delicious
What is Pesto Pasta Salad?
Pesto pasta salad is an easy side or main dish made from the combination of your pasta of choice and basil pesto as a base. You can add various vegetables such as tomatoes or red onions, cheeses, and proteins such as chicken!
Where is Orzo Pasta From?
Orzo pasta originates in the pasta capital that is Italy. However, it is also a quite popular staple in Mediterranean (Greek) and the Middle Eastern cuisines as well. Orzo derives its name from its shape, and ironically translates to barley in Italian although contains no barley.
Is Orzo a Pasta or Rice?
Although it’s appearance greatly resembles rice, orzo is a pasta. It is typically made from semolina pasta, which is made from durum wheat. Orzo is also incredibly versatile and can be used a in variety of dishes.
How to Make This Recipe
Ingredients
This 3 ingredient recipe only calls for orzo pasta, basil pesto and cherry tomatoes. The variations and substitutions are endless, but start with this base for the ultimate quick and easy salad:
Orzo Pasta: you can choose whichever variety of orzo you prefer such as organic, gluten-free or whole wheat orzo.
Basil Pesto: you can use store-bought pesto or make your own by combining fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
Cherry Tomatoes: juicy, plump, bright red and delicious cherry or grape tomatoes bring crisp freshness to this salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta by brining a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions, or until slightly a little more than al dente. Drain the orzo, drizzle with olive oil and set aside to cool.
- Combine pasta salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss together the cooked and cooled orzo, tomatoes and basil pesto until fully coated. Garnish with crumbled feta or parmesan cheese and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions, or until slightly a little more than al dente. Drain the orzo, drizzle with olive oil and set aside to cool.
After the pasta is cooked and drained, drizzle with olive oil and store, covered in the refrigerator overnight. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before refrigerating.
Although it’s appearance greatly resembles rice, orzo is a pasta. It is typically made from semolina pasta, which is made from durum wheat. Orzo is also incredibly versatile and can be used a in variety of dishes.
Unfortunately, this pasta is not suitable for freezing as the pastas texture will be compromised (soggy) during the freezing and thawing process.
Store in a airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. You will likely need to retoss with pesto and a drizzle of olive oil to freshen up the salad when ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions
The options are endless for how you can tailor this salad to your taste or dietary preferences. Try swapping in these ingredients:
- Instead of orzo pasta, use a another small shaped pasta variety (macaroni or shells) for similar results.
- Add protein, such as grilled or roasted chicken, and even bacon!
- Try using feta or mozzarella cheese instead of parmesan.
- Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
- Pile up on the veggies, whether you roast your favourites or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes
- Add pine nuts for added texture and crunch or your favourite seeds/nuts.
See My Story Below for Step-by-Step Instructions!
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If You Love This Pasta Salad Recipe, You’ll Want to Check Out These Other Salad Recipes Next!
- Orzo Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta
- Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- W30 Mexican Cauli-Rice Burrito Bowl
- Vegetable & Quinoa Salad w/ Herb & Olive Oil Dressing
Pesto Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, or Grape Tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Basil Pesto
- Olive Oil, drizzle
- Parmesan Cheese, or Feta Cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions, or until slightly a little more than al dente. Drain the orzo, drizzle with olive oil and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked and cooled orzo, tomatoes and basil pesto until fully coated. Garnish with crumbled feta or parmesan cheese and serve.
The perfect summer dish! A perfect side or even a great lunch meal. Definitely one of my go-tos!
Woohoo!! We have another winner!! Yayy!! Loved this feedback – thanks so much Mariah!!