Fresh, light, and packed with summer flavor, this Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect easy side dish for warm-weather dinners, BBQs, and family gatherings. Tender orzo is tossed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion, creamy feta, and basil pesto for a simple pasta salad that comes together in minutes.
The combination of fresh tomato and basil gives this salad that classic bruschetta-inspired flavor, while the pesto and feta make every bite even better. It’s delicious served fresh but can also be chilled before serving if you prefer a cold pasta salad.
Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or your favorite summer dinner for an easy side dish you’ll want to make all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make
- Packed with fresh summer ingredients
- Delicious served warm, room temperature, or chilled
- Perfect for BBQs and cookouts
- Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken
- Easy to make ahead
- Ready with just a handful of simple ingredients
Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo, cooked according to package directions and drained
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the orzo in salted water according to the package directions.
- Drain well and transfer the cooked orzo to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced tomato, red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the orzo.
- Add the olive oil, basil pesto, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently toss everything together until the orzo and vegetables are evenly coated with the pesto and seasonings.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if you prefer your orzo pasta salad chilled.
- Give everything another quick toss before serving and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Orzo Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water. This seasons the orzo itself and adds flavor to the entire dish.
- Use ripe tomatoes. Since tomatoes are one of the stars of this recipe, a ripe, juicy summer tomato makes a big difference.
- Fresh basil is worth it. Pesto brings plenty of basil flavor, but fresh chopped basil gives the salad an extra burst of freshness.
- Adjust the pesto to taste. If you love a stronger pesto flavor, add an extra tablespoon.
What to Serve with Tomato Basil Orzo Salad
This fresh pasta salad makes an easy side dish for so many meals. Try serving it alongside:
- Grilled chicken breasts
- Steak
- Burgers
- Grilled shrimp
- Salmon
- Chicken sandwiches
- Your favorite BBQ dishes
Variations
Add Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella pearls would be delicious with the tomato, pesto, and basil.
Add Protein: Turn it into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
Add More Vegetables: Cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or spinach would all work well.
Add Balsamic: Finish the salad with a small drizzle of balsamic glaze for even more bruschetta-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tomato basil orzo pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad several hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Give it a good stir before serving.
Should orzo pasta salad be served hot or cold?
Either! This recipe is delicious freshly prepared at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. You can also use homemade basil pesto if you have it on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is one of those simple recipes that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something packed with flavor. Fresh tomatoes, basil, pesto, feta, and tender orzo come together for a light and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer.
Serve it alongside grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner or bring a big bowl to your next BBQ or gathering. It’s fresh, colorful, easy to make, and even better after the flavors have had a little time to come together.