• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bake Play Smile
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Shop
  • About Me
    • Meet Lucy
    • Work With Me
  • Contact me
  • Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Savoury Breads & Muffins
  • Salads & Sides
  • Soups
  • Bars Brownies & Slices
  • Cakes & Cupcakes
  • Christmas
  • Cookies
  • Desserts
  • Easter
  • Drinks
  • Healthy Treats
  • Sweet Breads & Muffins
  • Thermomix Recipes
  • Thermomix Cookies
  • Thermomix Bars Brownies & Slices
  • Thermomix Cakes & Cupcakes
  • Thermomix Chistmas Recipes
  • Healthy Thermomix Recipes
  • Thermomix Desserts
  • Thermomix Breads & Muffins
  • Thermomix Easter Recipes
  • Thermomix Lunch Box Recipes
  • Thermomix Main Meals
  • Thermomix Sides & Salads
  • Thermomix Soups
  • Recipes for Toddlers & Kids
  • Family Dinners
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Kids Parties
  • Freebies
  • Lunch Box Ideas
  • Sweet Treats
  • Extras
  • Baking 101 - Tips & Tricks
  • Blogger Resources
  • Recipe Videos
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix Recipes
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Salads & Sides » Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Published: Dec 5, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    A bowl of orzo pesto salad with a wooden spoon

    A fresh and flavourful classic Orzo Pesto Salad made with mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, rocket, pine nuts and a delicious basil and parmesan pesto dressing.

    Orzo pasta (also known as risoni) cooks in just a few minutes... which means you'll have this salad on the table in just 20 minutes.

    Serve this popular kid-friendly salad on it's own or as a tasty accompaniment at your next summer BBQ or easy family dinner.

    Orzo pesto salad in a bowl with wooden spoons.

    When it comes to summer salads, there are few ingredients as versatile as orzo (risoni). This small pasta can be cooked in a matter of minutes and goes well with just about any type of dressing or topping (see my Expert Tips below for variations).

    Just like my Curried Egg Salad, Healthy Tuna Salad and Creamy Broccoli Salad, this Orzo Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for summer BBQs, Christmas celebrations or simply, for a quick and easy family dinner (... just add your favourite grilled meats or seafood on the side!).

    An overhead shot of a pasta salad in a bowl.

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    • Very simple - orzo pesto salad comes together in just minutes. All you need to do is cook the pasta, mix together a few ingredients for the basil pesto dressing, and assemble your salad toppings.
    • Nutritious and delicious - this salad combines fibre-rich carbohydrates from the orzo with healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and nuts. It also provides plenty of essential vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese.
    • Versatile - orzo pesto salad can be adapted to suit any taste preferences or dietary needs – simply switch up the dressing and topping ingredients as desired! 
    An overhead shot of orzo pesto salad in a bowl next to wooden utensils.

    What You Need

    I love how these simple ingredients come together beautifully in a light, healthy and satisfying dish.

    Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    • Orzo (risoni) pasta - uncooked. Risoni is made from a mixture of durum flour, semolina and water, kneaded into a dough before being rolled flat and shaped. The result is a creamy coloured, oval-shaped pasta with distinctive pointed ends.
    • Pine nuts - toasted lightly.
    • Cherry tomatoes - halved. You could also use grape tomatoes.
    • Bambini bocconcini cheese - you can also use fresh mozzarella balls.
    • Rocket arugula - fresh leaves. Rocket 'rucola' or 'arugula has a strong, peppery flavour, and the leaves have a slight 'bite' to them.
    • Basil pesto - use a jar of store bought basil pesto for convenience (I used the Barilla brand). Alternatively, you can make your own homemade basil pesto.
    Ingredients to make a pasta pesto salad in small bowls on a bench top.

    Equipment Required

    No fancy equipment is needed to make this delicious pesto orzo salad!

    Simply a saucepan for cooking the risoni (orzo) pasta in, and a frying pan for toasting the pine nuts.

    Step By Step Instructions

    What I love about this dish is the mediterranean flavours, in particularly the creamy risoni and intense pesto flavours. They blend so well together into a delicious and satisfying pasta salad dish.

    Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    Step 1 - Cook The Pasta

    Bring a saucepan over water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the orzo (risoni) pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente - do not overcook (approximately 6-8 minutes).

    Drain the pasta and run it under cold water.

    Cooked risoni pasta in a copper sieve.

    Step 2 - Toast the Pine Nuts

    Meanwhile, lightly toast the pine nuts in a frying pan over low heat, stirring constantly until just lightly golden, ensuring they don't burn. Set aside.

    Step 3 - Combine The Ingredients

    All ingredients for orzo salad in a bowl before being combined.

    Place the cold pasta into a serving bowl. Add the toasted pine nuts, halved cherry tomatoes, Bambini bocconcini, rocket, and basil pesto.

    Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge until needed.

    Expert Tips

    • Pasta - orzo is a small pasta also known as risoni. You can substitute the orzo/risoni with any other small pasta (like macaroni or shells). 
    • Bocconcini - choose small baby bocconcini balls or mozzarella pearls. If you can't find these varieties, you can use regular mozzarella and tear it into smaller chunks. 
    • Pine nuts - keep a close eye on the pine nuts while they toast in the frying pan. Stir constantly until just golden, ensuring they do not burn.
    • Basil pesto - can easily be purchased at the supermarket, alternatively, you can make your own homemade basil pesto.
    • Variations - try substituting the cherry tomatoes, rocket and mozzarella balls for sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, avocado roasted peppers, olives, feta, goats cheese, haloumi, grilled chicken or even prawns! The options for orzo pesto salad really are endless!
    • Gluten-free option - simply swap out the orzo for some cooked quinoa or rice.
    • Serving - for best results, serve the salad at room temperature to really let the flavours shine. 
    • Storing - store orzo pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
    • Freezing - this recipe is not suitable for freezing.
    A close up of a pesto, risoni, pine nut, rocket and parmesan dish being scooped with a wooden spoon.

    FAQ's

    Should orzo pasta be served hot or cold?

    Orzo can be served either hot or cold and used as a main meal or a side dish, as well as an ingredient in casseroles, soups, and salads, just like other types of pasta (and rice). Orzo can also be used in place of rice in recipes such as the classic rice salad with vegetables.
    I find orzo (risoni) has a creamier flavour and more interesting texture than plain rice.

    Are risoni and orzo pasta the same thing?

    Yes, they are. Risoni is also made from a mixture of durum flour, semolina and water, kneaded into a dough before being rolled flat and shaped. The result is a creamy coloured (and flavoured), oval-shaped pasta with distinctive pointed ends.

    If I can't find mini mozzarella or bocconcini balls, can I use the large ones?

    Yes, just tear the larger variety into smaller pieces and then use in the same way as the mini bocconcini balls. Bocconcini and mozzarella are similar as they are both soft cheeses that absorb flavors and are known for their mild taste.

    Related Recipes

    This orzo salad recipe can be served either as the main dish or as a delicious side paired with any meal!

    Here's a few of my most popular salad recipes:

    • Beetroot Salad With Feta
    • Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
    • Cypriot Grain Salad | Chef Recipe
    • Walnut, Parmesan, Pear and Rocket Salad

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    An overhead shot of risoni pasta salad.

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    A fresh and flavourful classic Orzo Pesto Salad made with mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, rocket, pine nuts and a delicious basil and parmesan pesto.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: Italian, Salad
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8 serves
    Calories: 265kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup orzo (risoni) pasta uncooked
    • ¼ cup pine nuts
    • 250 g cherry tomatoes halved
    • 220 g bambini bocconcini cheese or mozzarella balls
    • 30 g (1 cup) rocket arugula
    • 190 g basil pesto see notes

    Instructions

    • Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the orzo (risoni) pasta according to the packet instructions until al dente (approximately 6-8 minutes). Drain the pasta and run under cold water.
    • Meanwhile, lightly toast the pine nuts in a frying pan over low heat, stirring constantly until just lightly golden. Set aside.
    • Place the cold orzo pasta into a serving bowl Add the toasted pine nuts, halved cherry tomatoes, bambini bocconcini, rocket and basil pesto.
    • Stir to combine. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until needed.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS:
    INGREDIENTS:
    • Pasta - orzo is a small pasta also known as risoni. You can substitute the orzo/risoni with any other small pasta like macaroni or shells.
    • Bocconcini - choose small baby bocconcini balls or mozzarella pearls. If you can't find these varieties, you can use regular mozzarella and tear into smaller chunks.
    • Pine nuts - keep a close eye on the pine nuts while they toast in the frying pan. Stir constantly until just golden.
    • Basil pesto - can easily be purchased at the supermarket, alternatively, you can make your own homemade basil pesto.
    OTHER TIPS:
    • Variations - try substituting the cherry tomatoes, rocket and mozzarella balls for sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, avocado roasted peppers, olives, feta, goats cheese, haloumi, grilled chicken or even prawns! The options really are endless!
    • Gluten-free option - simply swap out the orzo for some cooked quinoa or rice.
    • Serving - for best results, serve the salad at room temperature.
    • Storing - store orzo salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
    • Freezing - this recipe is not suitable for freezing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 722IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
    « Caesar Salad
    Curried Rice Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

    Popular Kids Recipes

    • Milo Balls | 4 Ingredient Recipe
    • The Famous 100 Cookie Recipe | Condensed Milk Cookies
    • Easy Banana Muffins
    • Easy Jelly Slice
    • The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Chocolate Hedgehog Slice | No-Bake

    BBQ Favourites

    • Chicken Rissoles
    • Spinach Cob Loaf
    • Cream Cheese Dip
    • Beef Rissoles
    Names of brands that Bake Play Smile has had recipes featured in.

    Summer Salads

    • Creamy Broccoli Salad With Bacon
    • Chang's Crispy Noodle Salad
    • Cypriot Grain Salad | Chef Recipe
    • Creamy Bacon, Egg & Potato Salad

    Thermomix Cookbooks

    Browse our range of Thermomix cookbooks.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Accessibility
    • Terms Of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Shop the store

    Copyright © 2021 Bake Play Smile

     
    Manage Cookie Consent
    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}