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    Home » Vegetarian

    Pesto Orzo Salad

    Published: Jul 18, 2022 by Mariah Mandile

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Pesto Orzo Salad is a delicious summer side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare! It's made with fresh, flavorful ingredients.

    Pesto orzo salad in a white bowl with lemon slices on top.

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    Jump to:
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • How to make Orzo Pesto Salad
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe
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    • 💬 Reviews

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    Ingredients measured out for pesto orzo salad.
    • Gluten-Free Orzo - I used the brand Jovial. Any orzo will work with this recipe. You can also swap orzo for regular pasta.
    • Spinach - Start with less while you're stirring and add more as needed. (It will shrink down.)
    • Cherry Tomatoes - I usually cut them into thirds, but you can cut them into whatever size you like!
    • Pesto - Homemade or store bought will work! I used my Cashew Pesto Recipe.
    • Chopped Basil - Fresh basil adds an extra layer of flavor to this dish! Save a little for garnish.

    How to make Orzo Pesto Salad

    1. Start by cooking orzo according to instructions on the box. When it's ready, drain water and set aside to cool.
    2. To assemble salad, add cooked orzo, fresh spinach, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Stir together. Serve chilled!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

    Definitely! You can make the pesto the day before and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the salad.

    Can I use different pasta?

    Yes! Elbows or any small pasta would also be great option. If you're using gluten-free pasta I suggest using Jovial Cassava Flour pasta. (Brown Rice Pasta gets hard when chilled.)

    Close up picture of pesto orzo salad.

    How to store leftovers

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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    After you make this Pesto Orzo Salad, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    Pesto orzo salad in a white bowl with lemon slices on top.

    Pesto Orzo Salad

    Pesto Orzo Salad is a delicious summer side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare! It's made with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 8
    Calories 341 kcal

    Equipment

    • Small Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 Ounces Gluten-Free Orzo
    • 4-6 Cups Spinach
    • 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
    • 1 Cup Pesto Homemade or store bought will work!
    • ¼ Cup Chopped Basil

    Instructions
     

    • Start by cooking orzo according to instructions on the box. When it's ready, drain water and set aside to cool.
    • To assemble salad, add cooked orzo, fresh spinach, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Stir together. Serve chilled!

    Notes

    How to store leftovers

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    **See full post for more information!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingCalories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 294mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2253IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg
    Keywords gluten free orzo salad, orzo side dish recipe, pesto orzo salad, pesto salad with spinach
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

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    Hi, I'm Mariah!

    Welcome! I'm so happy you're here. My name is Mariah - I'm a holistic health coach and recipe developer based in Connecticut. I love all things gut health, clean living, and I have a slight obsession with chocolate! Here you'll find simple and easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that your whole family will love!

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