This Pesto Orzo Salad screams summer! It is loaded with flavor and goes great with just about anything. The juicy cherry tomatoes add so much texture to this pasta salad recipe. This recipe only requires 16 minutes of hands on time and can be made ahead of time. This truly is the most perfect side dish for summer! It can even be made into an easy lunch by adding some protein on top.
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If you follow along on Instagram, you know I love my Dairy Free Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce. I even have a Nut-Free Pesto recipe on my blog too for anyone that is nut free. I truly could eat it with anything like my Mackeral Pesto Pasta, Shrimp Pesto Pasta and my eggs. It is so darn good!
Why I Love This Recipe
- This makes for the best Summer BBQ side dish along with my Gluten Free Potato Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad and my Cucumber Watermelon Salad.
- This recipe is naturally dairy free and egg free. It can also be made nut free, gluten free and grain free.
- You can meal prep this recipe and make it at the start of the week. It can be used as a main dish or even a side salad.
- You can use homemade basil pesto or can even use store-bought pesto.
- This easy orzo salad is loaded with fresh flavors!
- This is a great side dish for just about any get together. It is something safe anyone can eat if you make my gluten free and nut free version.
Simple Ingredients Required
For the orzo salad:
- Orzo-I like mine done al dente. If you are gluten free like I am, I am obsessed with the Jovial brand of Orzo. It is naturally grain free and gluten free. It tastes just like the real thing but it is gluten free. I like getting mine from Thrive Market. If you use my Thrive Market link you can save $40 on your first order.
- Fresh tomatoes-I like getting the rainbow packs.
- Pesto-You can use store bought or homemade, if you want homemade, check out the ingredients needed for my Dairy Free Homemade Pesto below.
Homemade pesto:
- Fresh basil leaves-Fresh herbs are a must for homemade pesto.
- Fresh garlic cloves-For flavor.
- Table salt-This helps bring out the fresh herb flavors.
- Pine nuts-This gives the pesto that thick and creamy flavor. If you are nut free, you can omit the buts.
- Extra virgin olive oil-This is what makes this into a sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice-For flavor.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- You can keep this pesto orzo salad recipe simple or jazz it up with other toppings.
- Cheese-I am dairy free so I like to omit the cheese or use vegan cheese, but you can also use parmesan cheese, mozzarella pearls/ mozzarella cheese or feta cheese in this recipe for more flavor.
- If you are not a fan of fresh tomatoes, you can use sun-dried tomatoes.
- Fresh veggies-Feel free to grow anything else in like shredded carrots or bell pepper.
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds-Add a nice crunch.
- Protein-I like adding chicken but you can also add a plant-based protein to this recipe like white beans.
- Kalamata olives-For extra flavor!
This recipe has not been tested with any other substitutions or variations. If you try something else out please let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
How To Make
Recipe Tips
- Tip #1: Eat this easy orzo pesto salad cold!
- Tip #2: Toast your pine nuts! This adds so much flavor to the pesto.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe can last in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
This probably means you have overcooked it. The orzo should be al dente.
They are pretty similar in the sense that they are gains. Risoni is just a little smaller which means it cooks faster.
Although orzo looks like rice, it is actually a pasta!
Store bought orzo does not have egg in but fresh orzo usually does have egg in it to keep it moist.
Other Pesto Recipes You Will Love
Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
Download your FREE guide below.
Pesto Orzo Salad
Equipment
- high speed blender
- Small pot with a lid
Ingredients
For the orzo salad:
- 8 ounces orzo I like using the Jovial brand. It is gluten free. Use my link for Thrive Market and save $40 on your first order.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Washed and sliced in half.
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to the box, be sure not to over cook.
- Place the pesto in the food processor and blend until smooth
- Mix the pesto with the orzo, add in the tomatoes and serve cold.
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