Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

Easy Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Side or Light Meal

Orzo pesto pasta salad is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep coming back to—bright, fresh, and packed with simple, wholesome ingredients. This easy salad comes together quickly and makes a perfect side for picnics, barbecues, or even a light lunch. The tender, rice-shaped orzo pasta is tossed with a vibrant basil pesto, crisp veggies, and a burst of sun-dried tomatoes for a satisfying flavor boost.

Whether you’re new to orzo or a longtime fan, this salad showcases how versatile and quick this tiny pasta can be. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easily customized and ideal for meal prep, too.

Why You’ll Love This Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

• Great served warm or cold: Enjoy it straight away or chilled—both work beautifully. 
• Bright and refreshing: The fresh basil pesto and lemon zest keep this salad light and flavorful.
• Easy and quick: Ready in about 30 minutes with straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
• Versatile and customizable: Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or herbs to make it your own.
• Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for several days without losing flavor or texture.

What Is Orzo? And How to Cook It Perfectly

Orzo (sometimes called risoni) is a small, rice-shaped pasta. Despite its appearance, it’s a type of pasta—not a grain—and it cooks up tender and slightly chewy, making it perfect for salads, soups, and quick sides.

While traditional orzo contains gluten, there are also gluten-free orzo options available which is what I’m using here. They cook similarly and are a great alternative if you're avoiding gluten—just check package instructions, as cooking times may vary slightly.

How to cook orzo:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 3 quarts of water per cup of orzo).
• Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
• Drain and rinse under cold water if making a salad.

Ingredients for This Easy Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta & Veggies

• Orzo pasta — Choose a gluten-free variety or use regular orzo if not gluten-free.
• Broccolini — Adds a tender crunch.
• Frozen peas — Sweet and bright, a perfect pop of green.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) — Adds chewy, tangy bursts of flavor.
• Flat-leaf parsley — Fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the salad.
• Hemp seeds (optional) — Nutty crunch and extra protein.

Basil Pesto (Dairy-Free)

• Fresh basil — The star of the pesto with sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic — For a mild kick.
• Sea salt — Enhances all the flavors.
• Lemon zest — Adds a refreshing citrus lift.
• Lemon juice — Brightens and balances richness.
• Almond flour — Adds body and a subtle nutty undertone.
• Extra-virgin olive oil — Rich, fruity base for the pesto.

How to Make This Easy Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

1. Make the pesto: Combine basil, garlic, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond flour, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and fragrant. Set aside.
2. Cook the orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking.
3. Blanch the veggies: In boiling salted water, blanch peas for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water. Do the same with broccolini for 2 minutes. Drain and chop broccolini into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble: In a large bowl, toss the cooked orzo with the pesto, blanched peas, broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and hemp seeds. Mix gently to combine.
5. Serve or chill: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate. This salad tastes great cold or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations for Your Orzo Pesto Salad

• Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Switch up the herbs: Try adding fresh basil or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Customize veggies: Roasted peppers, asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes all make great additions.
• Meal prep friendly: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for lunches.
• Short on time? Use a high-quality store-bought pesto to simplify the prep—just be sure to choose a dairy-free version if needed.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad

This orzo pesto pasta salad is all about simple, fresh ingredients coming together for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a quick, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion—whether as a colorful side or a light main. Once you master the basic recipe, the variations are endless.