Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Taste the delightful combination of orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad.

Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this salad is quick to assemble and offers a tasty twist on traditional pasta salads. Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of orzo pasta with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant fresh basil. This dish is tossed in a homemade light browning vinaigrette that enhances the flavours without overpowering them. Enjoy it fresh or let it chill to allow the orzo to soak up the dressing for an even more flavorful experience.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Orzo pasta, 1/2 box
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 pint Grape Tomatoes, washed and sliced into half
• 6 ounces Fresh Mozzarella pearls
• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil leaves, torn into small pieces or chiffonade
• Balsamic Glaze, optional

Dressing

• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Cook Orzo Pasta: Follow package directions to cook the orzo until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly after cooking. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. If using a pressure cooker, consult a specific instant pot recipe for orzo. Toss the cooked orzo with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside in a large bowl.
• Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well-mixed.
• Assemble Salad: In the bowl with the cooled orzo, add halved grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil leaves torn into smaller pieces.
• Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and other ingredients. Toss everything until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
• Chill and Serve: You can enjoy the salad immediately, or for a more flavorful experience, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes until chilled. This allows the orzo to soak up the dressing. If preferred, drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
• Optional Add-ins: You could also add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, or parmesan cheese if desired. A variation might include adding pesto to the salad.

Serving Suggestion

• Grilled Chicken Breast
• Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
• Garlic Bread
• Steamed Green Beans
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
• Cucumber Dill Salad
• Italian Marinated Grilled Vegetables
• Artisanal Bread with Olive Oil Dip
• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

Tips and Tricks

• Picking rainbow-colored orzo can add a fun and vibrant touch to the dish, making it visually appealing and festive.
• If you have bigger mozzarella, cutting them into bite-size pieces can easily substitute without altering the taste.
• The addition of fresh basil leaves is crucial for that authentic Caprese flavor. If you’re able to, picking them fresh from a garden or farmer’s market can enhance the flavor profile of your salad.