As a mom of three boys, I’m all about sides that pack flavor without the hassle, and my Orzo Pasta Salad With Pesto is the kind of salad we love! Orzo is tossed in vibrant pesto with fresh tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cheese. It comes together in less than 30 minutes! Bursting with garden-fresh taste, it’s simple, make-ahead perfection.

An overhead shot of a bowl full of orzo pesto pasta salad. I has orzo, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers and red onion.

My family LOVES pesto so I am always looking for new ways to use it. We also love a pasta salad so this pesto orzo salad recipe is the perfect blend of two favorites. This is such an easy pasta salad it is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also flavorful and impressive enough to serve at a party or take to a bbq or potluck – everyone loves it!

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Ingredients for this Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

This is what you’ll need to make this easy pasta salad recipe, I’ve included variations and substitutes. Exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.

the ingredients for orzo pesto pasta salad on a white countertop. Spinach, sun dried tomatoes, grape tomatoes, pesto sauce, parmesan cheese. orzo, mozzarella pearls, pine nuts, chopped cucumber and diced red onion.

Orzo Pasta – Orzo is a great pasta for this recipe because it is small and gets coated with pesto for great flavor in each bite. If you don’t have orzo you can use another small pasta shape. If you have food restrictions you can use gluten-free pasta.

Pesto – Delicious basil pesto makes this salad taste amazing! You can use your favorite brand of store-bought pesto. Or if you have fresh basil you can make homemade pesto.

Sun dried Tomatoes– For this recipe you’ll want the sun dried tomatoes that are in a jar with oil. I like to buy the julienne cut kind because they are easy to chop into smaller pieces, but any cut is fine.

Pine Nuts – Traditional basil pesto sauce has pine nuts in it and these add just a little more flavor. For this recipe we toast them to get a delicious flavor and crunch. You can buy them and toast them yourself or you can buy them toasted. For a nut free option you can use pepitas.

Mozzarella Pearls – These are little bite size balls of fresh mozzarella. You can usually find them with specialty cheese at your grocery store. If you can’t find them you can chop mozzarella into bite size cubes to use in this recipe.

Parmesan Cheese – Shredded parmesan cheese adds a ton of flavor to this easy side dish. You can use fresh grated or store bought shredded parmesan to make this recipe.

Red Onion – I like to finely dice my onion so that there is a little bit in each bite. If you like a sweeter onion taste you can use a vidalia onion, or for a lighter brighter flavor you can use chopped green onions.

Grape Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes add great flavor and freshness to this salad. I prefer grape tomatoes but you can also use cherry tomatoes or roma tomatoes.

Arugula or Baby Spinach – Baby greens add great taste, texture and color to this orzo pesto pasta salad. You can use one or the other or a blend of both. Arugula has a slightly peppery flavor, and spinach has a more mild flavor.

Cucumber – Chopped cucumber adds a great crunch and freshness to this salad. I like to use an English cucumber because they have very few seeds but you can use any type of cucumber.

A wooden spoon with a spoonful of Orzo pasta salad with pesto. You can see the orzo, grape tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped cucumber and pine nuts

Here’s How to Make This Orzo Pesto Salad Recipe

First you’ll need to cook the orzo according to package directions in a large pot of salted water to al dente. When it is cooked drain and rinse with cold water to cool, set aside.

Next toast the pine nuts. To toast them place them in a small skillet over medium heat and heat for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently until they are a light to medium golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool

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Place cooked orzo in a large bowl. Add in sundried tomato and pesto.

Stir to evenly coat the orzo with the pesto.

A collage of pictures showing the steps to make Orzo Pasta salad With Pesto. The first shows cooked orzo, chopped sundried tomatoes, and pesto in a large bowl. In the next chopped red onion, grape tomatoes, and chopped cucumbers have been added. The following picture mozzarella pearls and shredded parmesan have been added. And in the final picture spinach and pine nuts have been added.

Add in the chopped onions, chopped cucumber, and chopped grape tomatoes. Stir to incorporate.

Add in the mozzarella balls,shredded parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Finally fold in the arugula and/or spinach. Taste and add salt if desired.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving.

FAQ Tips & Variations for Pesto Orzo Salad –

Answers to frequently asked questions, tips for success and different ways to make this delicious pasta salad!

A white plate with grilled chicken and orzo pesto pasta salad

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This flavorful salad is the perfect meal prep or make ahead side dish. The flavor continues to develop and blend together. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can add a little extra pesto or a drizzle of olive oil to freshen it up before serving.

Add in ideas-

You can make this flavorful pesto salad a whole meal by adding your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, some rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or even grilled salmon make great additions. For a vegetarian option you could use garbanzo beans, or cannellini beans.

This is also delicious with additional veggies, bell peppers, black olives and artichokes are great additions!

Can I use a different kind of pesto?

Absolutely! I personally love basil pesto but you can use other variations and have a tasty salad! Sun dried tomato pesto is a great option, arugula pesto is another. If you have dietary restrictions you can even use vegan pesto or nut-free pesto.

A large glass bowl full of orzo pesto pasta salad