Pesto Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor this Pesto Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach is the ultimate feel-good dish! Packed with tender orzo, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp spinach, all tossed in a rich, herby pesto, this salad is light yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Salad
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Pesto Dressing
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ¼ cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly.
- Chill for 15 minutes to let flavors meld or serve immediately at room temperature.