Pesto Orzo Salad features orzo pasta tossed with pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp arugula. Perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side for any meal.
Pesto Orzo Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that I have grown to love. Imagine the fresh flavors of juicy cherry tomatoes, tender orzo pasta, and the rich taste of pesto sauce all coming together in one bowl. This cold pasta salad is not only beautiful with its bright green and red colors but also super tasty.
The combination of fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of sophistication, making this dish great for both casual lunches and elegant dinners. Let’s dive into the details!
Pesto Orzo Salad is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and full of fresh flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, planning a summer BBQ, or looking for a light dinner option, this salad is a fantastic choice.
The combination of tender orzo pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant pesto sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this easy orzo salad a try and enjoy the delicious taste of summer in every bite.
Common Questions About Pesto Orzo Salad
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great in this recipe and saves time.
However, if you prefer, you can make your own homemade pesto using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and extra virgin olive oil blended in a food processor.
Is This Salad Served Cold or Warm?
Pesto Orzo Salad is typically served cold. After cooking the orzo pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta al dente and is perfect for a cold pasta salad.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add fresh veggies like red onion, bell pepper, or even artichoke hearts. These additions will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad. You really can’t go wrong.
Storage
I love leftover pasta salad. For me, the flavor only gets better once it has a chance to sit and marinate overnight.
Refrigerator
Store the Pesto Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Freezer
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the fresh vegetables and pasta may change.
Tips
It’s all pretty simple to make, but I do like to have some quick pointers just to make the experience go smoothly for you.
- Cook Orzo Al Dente: Follow the package instructions to cook the orzo pasta until al dente for the best texture.
- Rinse with Cold Water: After cooking, rinse the orzo under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
- Fresh Pesto: Use fresh pesto for the best flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.
- Toss Gently: When mixing the ingredients, toss gently to avoid bruising the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients, big flavor! Doesn’t this list just make your mouth water?
- Orzo pasta
- Pesto sauce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Pesto Orzo Salad:
In just four easy steps, you’ll have yourself a side dish that will catch the eye and make you hum with delight!
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine the cooked orzo pasta, prepared pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, spinach leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together before serving.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Pesto Orzo Salad
Pasta salad is my go-to when I want something fresh-tasting and easy. There are just so many options out there.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
What to Serve With Pesto Orzo Salad
If you’ve never had orzo pasta before, you’re in for a real treat. I love the texture of this stuff. You’ll see what I mean very soon.
- Grilled Chicken: Add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a perfect pairing.
- Caprese Salad: Complement with a Caprese salad featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables adds more greens to your meal.
- Fish Fillets: Pair with baked or grilled fish fillets for a light dinner.
- Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of soup for a comforting meal.
Why You Should Make Pesto Orzo Salad
Because, why not? I love making new recipes as often as I can. You just never know if you’re missing out on some big flavor!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Flavorful: Combines the fresh flavors of pesto, tomatoes, and spinach.
- Healthy: Packed with fresh veggies and plant-based protein.
- Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at summer BBQs, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Beautiful Presentation: Bright colors make it visually appealing.
Variations and Add-Ins for Pesto Orzo Salad
My mind is spinning with all kinds of options here. Since the salad is so simple, it’s really easy to add other flavors in.
- Pine Nuts: Add toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese on top for a tangy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Include sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, intense taste.
- Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Avocado: Mix in diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Lemon Zest: Sprinkle lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus.
- Grilled Shrimp: Top with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- White Beans: Add white beans for added protein and fiber.
If you love this easy side dish recipe, you’re going to love these other salads too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Sides To Try
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Pesto Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups spinach leaves fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup pesto sauce – prepared
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine the cooked orzo pasta, spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, prepared pesto sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to come together before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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