Easy Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad with Pesto & Feta
These Sweet & Spicy BBQ Meatball Bowls are an easy, flavorful dinner packed with tender meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, fluffy jasmine rice, and a sticky sweet and savory BBQ sauce.
The meatballs are simple to make and packed with garlic and a little sriracha for extra flavor. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, while the homemade BBQ sauce comes together on the stovetop. Once the meatballs are finished, they're tossed in the sticky sauce before being served over jasmine rice with the roasted vegetables.
It's a delicious weeknight meal that's full of bold flavors and satisfying textures, and it makes a great homemade alternative to takeout.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with bold sweet, savory, and spicy flavors
Easy sheet pan dinner
Homemade sticky BBQ sauce
Loaded with roasted vegetables
Great for busy weeknights
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfect for meal prep
Before You Get Started
The vegetables need a head start in the oven before adding the meatballs. This gives the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts enough time to become tender and caramelized while the meatballs cook.
For evenly cooked meatballs, try to make them as close to the same size as possible. A cookie scoop makes this quick and easy.
Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
This Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad is a light and flavorful summer side dish made with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy feta, red onion, and basil pesto. It's quick and easy to make and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or your favorite BBQ dishes.
Recipe Details
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes, optional
Total Time: 20 minutes, or 50 minutes chilled
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups dry orzo, cooked according to package directions and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Tomato Basil Orzo Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to the package directions until tender.
Drain well and transfer the cooked orzo to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the Vegetables and Cheese
Add the diced tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the warm orzo.
3. Add the Dressing and Seasonings
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.
4. Serve
Serve immediately while the salad is slightly warm or allow it to cool to room temperature.
For a chilled pasta salad, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Give the salad another quick toss before serving and add a little extra fresh basil or feta, if desired.
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, ripe, juicy summer tomatoes make 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.
Don't overcook the orzo. Cook it just until tender so it holds its texture in the salad.
If serving chilled, taste the salad again before serving and add a little extra salt or pesto if needed.
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
Grilled vegetables
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, spinach, or artichoke hearts would all work well.
Add Balsamic: Finish the salad with a small drizzle of balsamic glaze for even more bruschetta-inspired flavor.
Add a Little Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
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 and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Should orzo pasta salad be served hot or cold?
Either! This recipe is delicious freshly prepared, at room temperature, or chilled in the refrigerator. It's especially convenient for summer gatherings because it doesn't need to be served hot.
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.
How long does orzo pasta salad last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The orzo may absorb some of the pesto as it sits, so you can add a small drizzle of olive oil or a little extra pesto before serving.
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, cookout, or family gathering. It's fresh, colorful, easy to make, and even better after the flavors have had a little time to come together.