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Sundried Tomato Orzo Pesto Salad

Refreshing Sundried Tomato Orzo Pesto Salad in Just 15 Minutes

This 15-Minute Sundried Tomato Orzo Pesto Salad is a quick, vegan, and flavorful dish perfect for busy days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Uncategorized
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Feel free to swap with gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Use store-bought vegan pesto for convenience.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Opt for high-quality oil for the best outcome.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Dice into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Choose oil-packed for richness or rehydrate dried ones before use.
  • 1/2 cup Dairy-Free Feta Cheese Select a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
  • 2 cups Arugula Essential for making this salad lively.
  • 1 can Chickpeas Drain and rinse before adding them into the mix.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chop finely for better distribution.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh juice makes all the difference.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point and add the orzo pasta. Cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Dice the cucumber and chop the parsley. Set aside.
  3. Rinse the cooked orzo under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled orzo with pesto, olive oil, cucumber, and sundried tomatoes. Toss in chickpeas and dairy-free feta, followed by parsley, arugula, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then toss gently to incorporate.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to an hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Letting it rest allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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