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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Veganuary Recipes

Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad

Published: Feb 6, 2024 · Modified: Feb 6, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

This Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad is a vegan favorite, showcasing orzo mixed with a homemade pesto that's both flavorful and hearty. It's a simple yet satisfying dish ready in about 30 minutes.

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spoon with vegan sunflower pesto poured into orzo pasta salad

After doing a post on Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto and Pesto Roasted Vegetables I wanted to share this vegan orzo pasta with you too.

Ready with the pesto, I toss it with fresh asparagus, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and orzo, transforming these simple ingredients into a dish too good not to pass along!

Enjoy this vegan orzo salad, either room temperature or cold, from the fridge.

If you have a lot of basil to use up and love pesto, try my Pistachio Pesto and Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad
  • Top Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Orzo Salad FAQS
  • More Delicious Vegan Salad Recipes
  • Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad
  • Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Whether tossed in a salad, stirred into a warm Vegetable Orzo Soup, or served as a side dish, orzo is a delicious addition.
  • Orzo with pesto is wonderfully flexible. It can stand alone as a light main dish or pair beautifully with any vegan protein choice for a more substantial meal. My husband likes Daring Chicken with this salad.
  • Like most salads, you can add any vegetables you have on hand. Just roast zucchini, squash, or eggplant for variety.
  • It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or travel as a make-ahead meal since the flavors continue to meld and improve, much like the Vegan Pearl Couscous Salad that tastes even better over time.
  • It's delicious, warm, cold, and in-between.

Ingredients

Here is a peek into the pantry. See the recipe card for quantities.

ingredients for Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad.
  • Vegan sunflower seed pesto: This is a pesto you can have ready in 5 minutes. Adjust based on how flavorful and coated you like your orzo. You can make this ahead of time if you would like.
  • Spinach: Substitute with arugula or other favorite green.
  • Asparagus: Add or substitute with zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness.

How To Make Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad

Consider these pictures as your blueprint for a delicious vegan orzo pesto pasta salad. See the recipe card for details.

cutting asparagus on wooden board

Step 1: To prepare, wash, trim, and cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.

preparing the asparagus for roasting for vegan orzo pasta salad

Step 2: Toss the asparagus with salt, pepper, and olive oil and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.

top view of boiling the orzo for vegan orzo pesto pasta salad

Step 3: While the asparagus is in the oven, boil the orzo according to your package directions.

processed Nut-Free Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto in food processor

Step 4: While the orzo boils, make the pesto.

top view of adding ingredients to the bowl for vegan orzo sunflower seed pesto pasta salad (1)

Step 5: Then add all the ingredients in a bowl and toss well.

mixing up vegan orzo sunflower seed pesto pasta salad

Step 6: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice if you feel it needs a little more acidity.

This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, making it incredibly versatile. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, vegan feta, or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.

Top Tips

  • I like to make a batch of the pesto and keep it in the refrigerator to make quick recipes like this one. By storing the pesto with a layer of olive oil and plastic wrap on its surface, it remains delicious in the fridge for about 3 days.
  • My kids find that the baby spinach can be too big sometimes, so I often times chop it into smaller pieces.
vegan orzo sunflower seed pesto pasta salad in a bowl

Serving Suggestions

  • Add a crunchy, protein-packed topping with roasted chickpeas croutons.
  • Serve with smoked tofu for added protein and alongside vegan Caesar salad for a complete meal.
  • Marinate zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes in an herbaceous dressing, such as Cuban chimichurri sauce, before grilling them on skewers. Serve as a side to the orzo salad.
  • For those who love doubling down on veggies, serve your orzo pesto pasta on a bed of zucchini noodles lightly sautéed in garlic and olive oil or serve with sheet pan oven-roasted vegetables.

Orzo Salad FAQS

Can I use another type of nut or seed for the pesto?

Yes, you can even buy them premade. Trader Joe's sells a great vegan pesto located in their refrigerated section with tofu and other plant-based items.

Can this salad be served cold?

Orzo with sunflower seed pesto makes a delightful cold pasta salad, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal. If serving cold, consider adding a bit more olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving, as the flavors tend to be muted when chilled.

How can I make this salad dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free orzo pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. They're pretty good!

More Delicious Vegan Salad Recipes

  • top view of bowl of the couscous.
    Cranberry Orange Pearl Couscous Salad
  • Asian chopped salad with sesame dressing.
    Asian Chopped Salad With Sesame Dressing
  • buffalo cauliflower salad in a plate.
    Buffalo Cauliflower Salad
  • spicy asian cucumber salad in a bowl.
    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad

Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad with a Sunflower Seed Pesto. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

vegan orzo sunflower seed pesto salad in a bowl with a spoonful of pesto floating on top

Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad

Regi Pearce
This Vegan Pesto Orzo Salad showcases perfectly cooked orzo mixed with delicious Sunflower Seed Pesto. It's a simple yet satisfying vegan dish, ideal for anyone looking for a tasty, plant-based option.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course salads
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 4 cups
Calories 265 kcal

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cup orzo pasta
  • ¾ - 1 cup vegan sunflower seed pesto sub with any pesto
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups spinach substitute with arugula
  • 10 ounces asparagus chopped
  • lemon juice and zest from one lemon

For Garnish (optional)

  • vegan feta
  • basil leaves
  • sunflower seeds
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the asparagus under cold water to clean it, snap off the tough bottom ends by bending them until they break naturally (usually about the last inch or so), and then chop them into one-inch pieces. Place them on a baking sheet and coat them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper (or any other seasonings you may want). Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes or in the air fryer at the same temperature for 4-5 minutes. Air fryers vary, so check often so they don't overcook.
  • Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it's al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzling a little olive oil and tossing it can prevent it from clumping as it cools.
  • Prepare the Sunflower Seed Pesto: While the orzo boils and the asparagus roasts, prepare the pesto in the food processor.
  • Prepare The Orzo Bowl: Place the spinach, tomatoes, roasted asparagus, and lemon juice, and zest in a large bowl. Then, add the cooked orzo and pesto to the bowl. Start with ¾ cup of pesto, adding more to suit your taste. The warmth of the orzo will help the pesto coat evenly and slightly wilt the greens, making them tender.
  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste your pesto orzo and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice if you feel it needs more acidity.
  • Serve: This dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, making it incredibly versatile. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, vegan feta, or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.

Video

Notes

Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto is a delicious nut-free pesto you can have ready in minutes. But if you prefer the convenience of a store-bought pesto, Trader Joe's makes a delicious pesto found in the refrigerated section of their store.
If you go with the homemade pesto route, chances are you'll end up with some extra. To keep it fresh, just drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. Then, take a piece of plastic wrap and gently press it directly onto the pesto's surface to create an airtight seal. Cap it off with a lid that snaps tight to prevent any discoloration.
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 313mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg
Keywords 30 minute recipe, quick, spring, summer
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Rob says

    February 11, 2024 at 8:12 am

    5 stars
    L.O.V.E.D IT. It was a perfect mix-up for my lunch break!

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      February 11, 2024 at 6:15 pm

      Glad to hear that! Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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vegan orzo sunflower seed pesto salad in a bowl with a spoonful of pesto floating on top

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