Easiest Orzo Salad with Pesto

Easiest Orzo Salad with Pesto is a colorful and flavorful recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes.

This simple salad features fresh cucumbers and tomatoes tossed with orzo pasta and arugula in olive oil and pesto for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

What is Orzo Salad with Pesto?

Orzo salad with pesto is a flavorful pasta salad made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, pesto, and topped with feta cheese.

I like that this recipe can be made Mediterranean diet, vegetarian, or vegan friendly.

Have you tried my recipe for Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta?

That Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is a simple and delicious Mediterranean diet recipe that can be made in about 10 minutes. Both this recipe for orzo salad and that recipe for pasta are two great tasting and simple recipes that can be made with pesto.

This recipe can be made with the pesto of your choice.
You can find a selection of pesto flavors here.

Why we love this pesto and orzo salad.

This is a simple salad that is loaded with goodness.
Every bite of this salad is full of flavor that compliment or balance one another.

Here is what else we like about this recipe.

• Pesto and orzo salad is colorful and makes for an impressive presentation thanks to the different textures.
• This salad is hearty enough to be a meal in itself.
• Personalizing this recipe is as easy as adding ingredients such as pine nuts or bell peppers.
• Making this recipe vegan can be done by topping this salad with vegan feta cheese.
• Adding a protein element to this recipe can include adding in sliced chicken breast (or vegan alternative), topping with salad shrimp, or Cooked Tofu.
• This salad can be easily served with a glass of lemonade, ice tea, or flavored water on the side.

Ingredients needed to make pesto orzo pasta salad.

• Orzo Pasta. You can use the orzo of your choice. Gluten free was used to make my salad.
• Pesto. This adds flavor and moisture to the salad. You can use the pesto of your choice.
• Cucumber. Remove the skin and seeds if possible. Your cucumber should be sliced thin and then quartered.
• Tomatoes. Use small bite sized tomatoes such as cherry or grape tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes were used in my salad. The tomatoes should be sliced in half or thirds depending on the size.
• Onion. A red onion was used in may salad. Slice your onion thin and then into bite sizes.
• Arugula. A 'spring salad' made with arugula can be used.
• Feta. Dairy or vegan feta works in this recipe. The feta should be in chunks.
• Olive Oil. A small amount of olive oil is drizzled over the salad for moisture and flavor. You can use the olive oil of your choice.
• Seasonings as desired. Salt and pepper was used used in my salad.

Tips for making the best salad with pesto and orzo.

Using fresh ingredients is essential for making great looking and great tasting orzo salad. This is especially true with the tomatoes, arugula, and cucumbers that are added to the salad.

More helpful tips for you.

1. When cooking your orzo, it is best to cook it to al dente. This will help the orzo structure stand up when combined with the other ingredients.
2. Draining and then rinsing the cooked orzo in cool water can help cool the orzo down and stop the cooking process.
3. This salad can be made in advance. I would assemble the dry ingredients in the salad and then toss in the olive oil and pesto before serving just to keep the orzo structure intact.
4. Pesto and orzo salad is best when served soon after assembling. Allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld together.
5. Looking for an added zip to your salad? Try adding a bit of lemon zest, chopped peppers, or blue cheese to your salad.
6. Leftover pesto salad goes great in a wrap or as part of a new salad the next day.

How to make Easiest Orzo Salad with Pesto

Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 10 .
Servings: 4 .

1. Start by cooking your orzo al dente according to the directions on the package. You can then drain and rinse the cooked orzo to cool it down to room temperature.
2. If you have not done so, prepare your cucumber, tomatoes, and onion as indicated above.
3. To assemble the salad, first place the cooled orzo into the bottom of a large bowl.
4. Place the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion on top of the orzo and toss the ingredients to mix. Then toss in the arugula.
5. Next, add the pesto to the bowl and toss the ingredients to combine.
6. Before serving, drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients and then sprinkle the cheese over it.

Expert Tip👉 While this salad is best when served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving. When ready to serve, toss the ingredients together with the pesto and then add the olive oil and cheese.

How to store pesto and orzo salad.

Leftover salad that has had the ingredients fully combined should be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored and refrigerated this salad should keep for about three days.

You may also be interested in these ideas.

• Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe
• Easy Avocado Hummus
• Mediterranean Diet Cilantro Lime Chicken Breasts
• Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe
• 5 Ingredient Protein Oat Bars
• Vegan Fruit Crumble Bars

Print the recipe for Orzo and Pesto Salad.

Easiest Orzo Salad with Pesto, a simple and delicious recipe idea made with cucumbers and tomatoes. Mediterranean diet, Vegetarian, Vegan.

Please see recipe post for further details on this recipe.