• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Two Cloves Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Meal » Salad

    Published: May 14, 2024 · Modified: May 23, 2024 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

    • Facebook
    • Email
    Pinterest image for Orzo Pesto Salad by Two Cloves Kitchen.
    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pasta salad, mixed with arugula sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs. Two wooden spoons are placed in the salad.
    A bowl of orzo pesto salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, and pine nuts, with a smaller bowl of the same salad and a wooden bowl of pine nuts next to it on a fabric napkin.
    A large wooden bowl and a smaller white bowl filled with orzo pesto salad mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, arugula, and herbs. A small wooden bowl of pine nuts is placed beside them.
    A bowl of orzo pesto salad with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese sits on a table next to a wooden bowl of the same salad and a small bowl of pine nuts.
    A wooden bowl containing orzo, pine nuts, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, arugula, pesto sauce, and a wooden spoon on a marble surface.
    A wooden bowl containing orzo, pine nuts, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, arugula, pesto sauce, and a wooden spoon on a marble surface.
    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pesto salad mixed with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, accompanied by two wooden serving utensils.
    A wooden bowl contains orzo pesto salad with wooden serving utensils on a marble countertop.
    Close-up of a mixed orzo pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese.
    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pesto salad accompanied by two wooden serving spoons.
    Close-up of a mixed salad with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese.
    A bowl of seasoned orzo pasta mixed with vegetables and herbs. Two wooden serving spoons are placed in the bowl, and a small dish of pine nuts is next to it on a marble surface.
    A bowl of orzo pesto salad with sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, pine nuts, and feta cheese sits on a marble surface next to a fork and a bowl of pine nuts.
    Pinterest image for Orzo Pesto Salad by Two Cloves Kitchen.

    This orzo pesto salad recipe highlights bold, delicious ingredients. Basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula combine to create a bright, fresh, flavorful summer salad!

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pasta salad, mixed with arugula sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs. Two wooden spoons are placed in the salad.

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you recipes & tips every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Dish
    • What You'll Need
    • How to Make Orzo Pesto Salad
    • Variations
    • How to Store
    • FAQ
    • How to Serve Orzo Salad with Pesto
    • Expert Tips
    • Other Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Dish

    This orzo pasta salad is quick and super easy to make. Boil the orzo according to package instructions, then mix in the other ingredients and it's ready. 

    It's adaptable. You can add fresh basil leaves, swap the sundried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes, or use mozzarella balls in place of feta for more of a caprese orzo salad vibe.

    You have the option to use premade pesto or whip up your own pesto. Use your favorite ingredients, or what you have on hand.

    It's versatile. Pack it into work lunches, have it poolside, or make it for an easy dinner. It's a perfect salad to bring to picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or any other gathering.

    Feeding a crowd? You can click on the number next to "Servings" in the recipe card below and slide it to the desired number of servings.

    Finally, it's a delicious recipe. Cooked orzo, salty feta, sweet, tart sundried tomatoes, bright, fresh pesto, and creamy pine nuts create a Mediterranean-inspired salad you'll love.

    A wooden bowl containing orzo, pine nuts, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, arugula, pesto sauce, and a wooden spoon on a marble surface.

    What You'll Need

    Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

    The labeled ingredients for orzo pesto salad sit on a white marble counter.

    • Orzo If you can't find orzo, you can use another small pasta shape, like macaroni, penne, or ziti.
    • Pesto You can use store-bought pesto or homemade pesto. I recommend this almond pesto recipe if you're interested in making your own.
    • Feta If you aren't a fan of feta, try goat cheese or fresh mozzarella pearls instead. All will add a wonderful creaminess to the salad. 
    • Sundried Tomatoes You'll want to use julienned tomatoes. Feel free to swap these for halved or whole cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes if you prefer them.
    • Arugula I like using the baby variety.
    • Pine Nuts These add richness and earthiness to the dish. If you can't find pine nuts, something like walnuts or sunflower seeds would be a nice substitution.
    • Olive Oil This is my favorite brand. I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil as opposed to any other variety.
    • Kosher Salt and Pepper This is my favorite brand of kosher salt.

    How to Make Orzo Pesto Salad

    Step One: Place a large pot of salted water over high heat. Bring the water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the orzo to al dente and drain. 

    Cooked orzo in a white colander.

    Step Two: Transfer the cooked orzo to a large bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients, mix well, and taste for seasoning.

    Ingredients for orzo pesto salad in a stainless steel bowl.
    Mixed ingredients for orzo pesto salad in a stainless steel bowl.

    Step Three: You can let the recipe sit out to come to room temperature, or you can place it in the fridge to cool before serving.

    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pesto salad mixed with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, accompanied by two wooden serving utensils.

    Variations

    Lemony Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest to your salad for extra brightness. 

    Olives Add more salty, bold Mediterranean flavor with some chopped olives.

    Spicy Add chili flake, chopped Calabrian chilis, or a thinly sliced Fresno chili for some heat.

    Added Veggies You can add extra vegetables here if you'd like. Some sliced roasted red bell pepper, or fresh veggies like red onion, or a handful of baby spinach would be nice.

    Close-up of a mixed salad with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese.

    How to Store

    Store leftover orzo pesto pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

    You do not need to reheat this dish.

    I do not recommend freezing this salad.

    FAQ

    What can I use in place of orzo?

    You can use other small pasta shapes, like elbow macaroni, fregola, ditalini, pastina, or stelline. You could also try couscous or quinoa!

    How do you make homemade pesto? 

    This recipe for Almond Pesto will teach you how to make your own homemade pesto. It's quite easy! Put your measured ingredients in a food processor, blend to your desired consistency, and it's ready to go.

    Should I eat this salad hot or cold?

    This recipe is typically eaten as a cold pasta salad or at room temperature.

    How to Serve Orzo Salad with Pesto

    Try this pesto orzo salad with:

    Sandwiches and burgers: This grinder sandwich or this egg and cucumber sandwiches. It's a wonderful accompaniment to turkey smash burgers or this grilled Polish sausage recipe, too!

    Veggie sides and salads: Serve this easy side dish with other sides for a light summer dinner. Try these Brussels sprouts and asparagus, roasted broccolini with lemon, air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, or garlicky sautéed cruciferous crunch. It's tasty alongside a series of salads, like this salmon mango salad or this Bavarian potato salad.

    Chicken & Steak: Italian chicken cutlets are a quick and delicious dinner, as is this cast iron chicken. Try this grilled chicken with cilantro crema, Tajín grilled chicken, or this blackened steak.

    Seafood: This salad is also fantastic with seafood. Try it with these crispy beer-battered fish tacos, beer-battered halibut, or beer-battered shrimp, a simple fillet of pan-seared salmon, or some blacked ahi tuna steaks.

    Need a delicious dessert? Try this strawberry compote sundae!

    A large wooden bowl and a smaller white bowl filled with orzo pesto salad mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, arugula, and herbs. A small wooden bowl of pine nuts is placed beside them.

    Expert Tips

    • If you make the pesto in advance, add a squeeze of lemon juice to maintain the bright green color.
    • Once the orzo is cooked, drain the orzo and run it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool the orzo more quickly.
    • Don't overcook your orzo! I typically cook pasta one minute less than the box directions. This will avoid mushy pasta.

    Other Recipes You'll Love

    If you're in the mood for more easy salad recipes, try these!

    Beet Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

    Healthy Tuna Salad

    Side Salad

    Burrata Salad with Balsamic Glaze

    📖 Recipe

    A wooden bowl filled with orzo pesto salad mixed with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, accompanied by two wooden serving utensils.

    Orzo Pesto Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

    This pesto orzo salad recipe highlights bold, delicious ingredients. Basil pesto sauce, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh, peppery arugula combine to create a flavorful summer salad packed with brightness and freshness!
    5 from 68 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 499kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Medium Pot
    • Colander
    • Large Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces orzo
    • 6 ounces pesto store-bought or homemade
    • 10 ounces sundried tomatoes julienned
    • 8 ounces artichoke hearts quartered
    • 8 ounces feta crumbled
    • 3 ounces arugula
    • ½ cup pine nuts
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more if needed
    • kosher salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    Pesto

    • If making pesto from scratch, prepare one batch of Almond Pesto.

    Orzo Salad

    • Place a pot of cold water over high heat. Bring the water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the orzo to al dente and drain. Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and quickly cool it.
    • Transfer the cooked orzo to a large bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients, mix well, and taste for seasoning.
    • You can let the recipe sit out to come to room temperature, or you can place it in the fridge to cool before serving.

    Notes

    General
    • Add more olive oil as needed if the salad seems dry.
    • You can replace the feta with goat cheese or mozzarella pearls.
    • Sundried tomatoes can be replaced with cherry tomatoes.
    • If you make the pesto in advance, add a squeeze of lemon juice to maintain the bright green color.
    • You can stop the cooking process and cool the orzo more quickly. Once the orzo is cooked, drain the orzo and run it under cold water. 
    • Don't overcook your orzo! I typically cook pasta one minute less than the box directions. This will lead to a mushy pasta salad.
    Storage
    • Storage leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
    • I do not recommend freezing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 671mg | Potassium: 1399mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1110IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 4mg

    More Salad

    • A close-up of Bavarian potato salad with bacon pieces, red onions, green onions, and garnished with fresh dill, being lifted by a metal fork.
      Authentic Bavarian Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A bowl of burrata caprese salad with olive oil being poured over it.
      The Perfect Burrata Caprese Salad
    • A bowl of tuna salad without mayo with a fork.
      Healthy Tuna Salad Without Mayo
    • A collage of salads and vegetable sides with the text 30 plus sides for turkey burgers.
      The Best Sides for Turkey Burgers
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam says

      June 08, 2024 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      My guy loves arugula so I try to find a variety of recipes to use it - this one is a winner! My arugula in the garden is just about ready to pick so now I can start making it without an extra trip to the grocery store!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 09, 2024 at 10:43 am

        Thanks so much, Pam! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Elaine says

      June 08, 2024 at 4:37 am

      5 stars
      So fresh and delicious!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        June 09, 2024 at 10:44 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Jennifer says

      February 13, 2023 at 7:39 am

      5 stars
      This is such an easy and tasty salad! I love the tangy feta in it and the creamy pesto is delish!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:40 pm

        Thank you so much, Jenn!

        Reply
    4. Sue says

      February 10, 2023 at 6:41 am

      5 stars
      I so often overlook orzo and this salad shows what a mistake that is! The Mediterranean flavors really brightened up my meal. This one will be a favorite this summer!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:40 pm

        That's so good to hear! Thanks, Sue!

        Reply
    5. G.Sue says

      February 10, 2023 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      The layers and pops of flavor in this salad are wonderful. There's something new in every bit from the sundried tomatoes to the artichoke hearts. And the pesto is the perfect foil to bring it all together.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:41 pm

        What a thoughtful comment! Thank you so much.

        Reply
    6. Shilpa says

      February 08, 2023 at 1:16 am

      5 stars
      I loved this pasta salad. It’s so delicious and filling. I also topped mine with lemon juice and loved the tangy flavor it added.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:41 pm

        Ooh, good idea! Thanks Shilpa!

        Reply
    7. Rachna says

      February 07, 2023 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      Orzo salad with pesto was super delicious. I loved how feta enhanced the taste of the salad. Super fresh and definitely will be made again.

      Reply
    8. Madison says

      February 07, 2023 at 7:53 am

      5 stars
      This combines all of my favorite ingredients!! Pesto on anything is always a hit for me. Love that this is so easy to throw together too.

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:42 pm

        Thanks, Madison! Absolutely, this one is really easy.

        Reply
    9. Liz says

      February 07, 2023 at 6:19 am

      5 stars
      I always have a box of orzo in my pantry and this is one of my favorite things to use it for! So yummy!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:43 pm

        Yay! I love keeping orzo on hand, too. Thanks Liz!

        Reply
    10. Gina says

      February 07, 2023 at 5:19 am

      5 stars
      Delicious easy pasta salad that's great as a side dish but so easy to bulk up with some cooked chicken sausage which I also love doing for a quick meal!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:43 pm

        Fantastic idea! I'll have to make it with some sausage next time.

        Reply
    11. Traci says

      February 07, 2023 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      Delicious recipe that did not disappoint! I made the kids with orzo and mine with some rice. Absolutely delicious flavor to this dish!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:43 pm

        Wonderful! Glad the whole family enjoyed it.

        Reply
    12. Glenda says

      February 07, 2023 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      I forget how much I love orzo until I try a salad like this. Yum! The pine nuts are the perfect added crunch. And, the addition of those briny artichoke hearts takes this salad over the top. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        February 13, 2023 at 3:44 pm

        Thank you, Glenda! I just love those pine nuts.

        Reply
    5 from 68 votes (56 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Photo shows chef Gen La Rocca,  a woman with blonde hair styled in a side braid, wearing a blue sweater and yellow apron.

    Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a professional chef, lifelong recipe creator, writer, and editor. As a native Californian and a major food lover, I am constantly developing new California-inspired dishes with bold flavor to share with you here on the site.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
      The Best Turkey Smash Burgers
    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
      Hearty Marinara Sauce Recipe
    • Pickled serrano peppers are shown in a glass jar surrounded by garlic, serrano peppers, and a fork.
      Quick and Easy Pickled Serrano Peppers

    The Best Winter Recipes

    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • lamb breast on a white platter with thyme.
      Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe
    • Two halves of a roasted chicken on a white platter with parsley and lemons.
      Roasted Half Chicken Recipe
    • Three bowls of chicken cabbage soup with parsley.
      Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

    STAY UP TO DATE!

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    for California-inspired recipes, weekly meal planning inspiration, and lots of bold, fresh flavor!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Disclosures

    Contact

    • Work with Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Two Cloves Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Close