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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad

    Feb 14, 2023 by Sandra Flegg

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    Get your taste buds ready with a flavor burst with this quick, easy and delicious, Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad! Made with plump, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, tender orzo pasta, red oinons, feta cheese, cucumber and pesto, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser!

    Orzo pesto salad in a white bowl with a blue napkin on the side. this recipe!
    Jump to:
    • Pesto orzo salad with feta
    • Why you'll love this salad
    • What ingredients go in orzo pesto salad?
    • Step by step instructions
    • Storage instructions
    • Variations
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Other delicious salad recipes to enjoy
    • Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad
    • Comments

    Pesto orzo salad with feta

    One of the quickest and easiest salad recipes to make, this salad is always a favorite at potlucks. It's also delicious with chopped grilled chicken neatly placed on top of the salad for added protein. And, whether you're making it with store-bought pesto or have the time and ingredients to make the pesto homemade, it turns out perfectly every time!

    Like my pesto chicken pasta salad and caprese pesto pasta salad, pesto is one of the main ingredients for the dressing. Making homemade pesto is really easy and although I've used store-bought in this salad, when I have fresh basil, I always opt for the homemade version. If you haven't tried making homemade pesto before, it's super easy. Try it next time you have fresh basil in abundance!

    Close up image of pesto orzo salad.

    Why you'll love this salad

    • this mediterranean orzo pesto salad is the perfect combination of fresh and savory flavors.
    • perfect for a summer picnic, potluck or as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It's a crowd-pleaser that's always sure to impress family and friends. Print the recipe because they will be asking for it!
    • quick and easy to make and it's versatile and can be adapted to the ingredients that you have on hand.
    Mediterranean orzo pesto salad in a white bowl with a spoon on the side.

    What ingredients go in orzo pesto salad?

    Labelled ingredients for orzo pesto salad with text overlay.
    • Orzo
    • English cucumber
    • Grape tomatoes (cherry tomatoes) - these small, bite-sized tomatoes are ideal for pasta salads, or you can use any type of tomatoe, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
    • Red onion
    • Feta Cheese- if you're out of feta cheese or looking for a substitute, check out our list of the best substitutes for feta cheese.
    • Store-bought or homemade pesto - either one will work perfectly, depending what you have on hand.
    • Black olives - our favorite is black kalamata olives and you can also substitute green olives.
    • Mayonnaise
    • Fresh basil leaves

    What is orzo?

    Orzo is a type of pasta that is shaped like rice grains. It can typically be found in the pasta section in the grocery store.

    Step by step instructions

    You can find a full recipe card with instructions at the bottom of this page. I've included some step by step photos with basic instructions below.

    How to cook orzo

    In a large pot of boiling water, cook orzo according ot package directions, until al dente.

    Drain the cooked pasta in a sieve and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Rinsing the pasta in cold water will stop the cooking pasta and ensure that the orzo does not continue to cook after it's removed from the heat.

    Use a sieve with fine holes so that the orzo doesn't slip through the holes on a traditional strainer.

    Ingredients for dressing in a bowl.

    In a medium mixing bowl, stir together pesto and mayonnaise.

    Chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, orzo and feta cheese in a bowl.

    To the bowl with the orzo, add the chopped tomatoes, olives, onion, cucumber and crumbled feta cheese.
    You may want to set aside a few cherry tomatoes and some of the feta cheese to garnish the salad, if serving in a large bowl.

    Add the pesto dressing and chopped basil , tossing to coat all of the vegetables and orzo.

    Storage instructions

    Store orzo pesto salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

    I do not recommend freezing this salad.

    Variations

    To make Caprese pesto salad, subsitute the feta cheese with mozzarella pearls.

    Add in 14 ounces artichokes in water (drained)

    Substitute the red onion for sweet onion or green onions (scallions).

    To add lemon flavor to the dressing, stir in the zest and juice from ½ of a lemon for brightness and acidity.

    You could easily add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

    Overhead view of orzo pesto salad in a white bowl.

    Recipe FAQ's

    Can I make this salad in advance?

    Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. However, if you plan to make it more than a few hours in advance, it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.

    Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

    Yes, you can substitute feta with other types of cheese, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or Parmesan. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will have different flavors and textures, so it may alter the overall taste of the salad.

    Should orzo be served hot or cold?

    Orzo can be served hot or cold, depending on personal preference and the recipe being used. In the case of a cold orzo salad like the orzo pesto salad, it is served cold or at room temperature. However, orzo can also be served hot as a side dish or added to soups and stews.

    Other delicious salad recipes to enjoy

    • Close up image of Quinoa Spinach Salad with Avocado.
      Quinoa Spinach Salad with Avocado
    • Mediterranean Pasta Salad in yellow bowl
      Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Chickpeas
    • The Salad - My personal all-time favourite!
    • BLT Pasta Salad with Chicken
    Print
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    Orzo pesto pasta salad in a white bowl.

    Mediterranean Orzo Pesto Salad


    ★★★★★

    5 from 6 reviews

    • Author: Sandra Flegg
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 12 servings
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Get your taste buds ready with a flavor burst with this quick, easy and delicious, Orzo Pesto Salad! Made with plump and juicy cherry tomatoes, briny black olives, tender orzo pasta, red oinons, feta cheese, cucumber and pesto. 


    Ingredients

    500g (16 oz) orzo

    1 english cucumber, chopped

    2 cups grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes

    ½ cup red onion, chopped

    1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; divided

    1 cup store-bought or homemade pesto

    ¾ cup black olives, sliced

    ⅓ cup mayonnaise

    A few fresh basil leaves, chopped


    Instructions

    1. Cook the orzo: In a large pot of boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions, until al dente.  Drain the cooked pasta in a sieve and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. 
    2. Make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together pesto and mayonnaise. 
    3. Assemble the salad: To the bowl with the orzo, add the chopped tomatoes, olives, onion, cucumber and crumbled feta cheese. 
      You may want to set aside a few cherry tomatoes and some of the feta cheese to garnish the salad, if serving in a large bowl. 

    4. Add the pesto dressing and chopped basil , tossing to coat all of the vegetables and orzo. 

    Notes

    Store orzo pesto salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. 

    I do not recommend freezing this salad. 

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Salad, Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 helping
    • Calories: 334
    • Sugar: 3.1 g
    • Sodium: 422.2 mg
    • Fat: 17.4 g
    • Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
    • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
    • Carbohydrates: 35.3 g
    • Fiber: 2.4 g
    • Protein: 8.7 g
    • Cholesterol: 13.7 mg

    Keywords: mediterranean orzo pesto salad

    If you've made this recipe, please come back and leave us a star rating and comment below. Or, tag us on social media @shesnotcookin or #shesnotcookin for a chance to be featured!

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Tim

      February 14, 2023 at 1:06 pm

      Wow not only is this a delicious Orzo salad but love how the colours come together to make it look so bright and amazing!! Brought it to a pot luck and it was a big hit!! Thanks for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Stephanie

      February 15, 2023 at 11:38 am

      Such zesty flavor, and I really like how every bite was unique. We really enjoyed this one and will be making it again soon.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sandra Flegg

        February 15, 2023 at 12:06 pm

        Thanks Stephanie! Happy to hear that you enjoyed this orzo pesto salad!

        Reply
    3. Beth

      February 15, 2023 at 11:58 am

      This is such a great take on pasta salad. I love this healthier version, and I love using orzo in it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Jess

      February 15, 2023 at 12:04 pm

      My tastes buds are thanking me for this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Tayler

      February 15, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      I made this salad with dinner last night and it was delicious! So easy to make and full of flavor!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Michelle

      February 15, 2023 at 12:29 pm

      I love the fresh mediterranean flavors in this recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Sandra Flegg

        February 15, 2023 at 9:22 pm

        Thanks Michelle!

        Reply

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