Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A refreshing summer pasta salad combining tender orzo with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 24 minutes pairs orzo pasta, pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, (packed) fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 (minced) garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup (grated) parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces orzo pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain well.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes and roughly chop 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Add the cooled orzo pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving chilled to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 24 minutes (15 min prep + 9 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chilled Orzo Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
