pesto orzo salad

Mediterranean orzo salad with pesto is a bright flavorful summer salad with fresh cucumbers, artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese in a lemon pesto mayo dressing. Perfect for a summer BBQ or picnic.

Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

orzo

artichokes

cherry tomatoes, halved

cucumber,

kalamata olives, sliced

feta

green onions

pesto

mayonnaise

lemon juice

lemon zest

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a big pinch of salt. Boil the orzo according to package instructions to about a minute past al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander with small holes (those small pieces of pasta can fall through larger holes) and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a very large bowl, add the orzo, artichokes, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, most of the green onions and most of the feta cheese (reserve a little feta and green onion for topping).

In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Add the mayo pesto sauce to the orzo mixture and gently toss until combined.

Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and green onions on top. This pesto orzo salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Store leftover orzo pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This pesto orzo salad recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables and a bright lemony basil pesto dressing.  Cold pasta salads are perfect for those hot summer months!  This is the perfect side dish for a summer bbq, potluck or even a weeknight dinner.

Easy Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

orzo pasta

basil,

walnuts

Parmesan cheese

garlic

olive oil

salt

grape tomatoes, halved

Kalamata olives

red pepper, chopped

goat cheese crumbles

Heat a large pot over water over high heat and cook orzo according to the package directions.   When the orzo has finished cooking to the desired texture (I prefer al dente) run under cold water and drain well.   Set the cooked orzo aside in a large mixing bowl.

While orzo is cooking make the pesto by adding basil leaves, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and salt to the base of a food processor or blender.  While blending drizzle in the lemon juice until the pesto is the desired consistency (up to 3 tablespoons).

Stir the pesto into the orzo.  Add the chopped tomatoes, olives, cucumber, roasted red pepper and goat cheese into the bowl with the orzo and stir to combine the ingredients.  Serve immediately or chill for 1-2 hours before serving.

Hearty Pesto Orzo Salad is made with just a handful of ingredients, yet is bursting with fresh flavor. Ready in 25 minutes! Gluten-free, Oil-Free, and Nut-Free options.

Pesto Orzo Salad

dry orzo

kosher salt (plus more to taste)

Nut-Free Pesto or Arugula Pesto (or store-bought)

red wine vinegar

cherry tomatoes

chickpeas

basil (chopped)

vegan feta ((optional))

pine nuts

arugula (or baby spinach)

Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the orzo and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the orzo and rinse with cold water, until the orzo itself comes to room temperature.

Make the Dressing: Whisk the pesto and vinegar together in the base of a large bowl until a smooth texture forms.

Mix: Add the orzo, tomatoes, and chickpeas to the bowl and mix until evenly combined. Add the basil, feta (optional), pine nuts, and arugula. Gently fold into the salad. Season with additional salt to taste, if necessary.

Serve: Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Top 3 pesto orzo salad recipes from across the web

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Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Easy Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

Top 3 pesto orzo salad recipes from across the web

The most viewed pesto orzo salad recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

Easy Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Pesto Orzo Salad

The most viewed pesto orzo salad recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine