Description
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing side dish, made with orzo pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. This easy orzo pasta salad is so quick to make, perfect to take to a picnic or get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces Orzo pasta
- 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
- 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: Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain the orzo and let it cool slightly. Or cook the orzo in the pressure cooker. Transfer the orzo pasta into a large bowl and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.
- Prepare Dressing: Prepare the dressing. Add all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk together until well mixed.
- Combine: Add tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and basil leaves to the pasta bowl.
- Mix: Pour the vinaigrette and toss until combined. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill: Enjoy right away or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until chilled.
- Garnish: (Optional) Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
Add-ons: You can also add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, or arugula to this salad. Or if you like some Parmesan cheese. Make ahead: If prepping in advance, add basil and mozzarella just before serving so they stay fresh and don’t get soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 349 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 186 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
Keywords: Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad, Italian salad, mozzarella pearls, orzo, balsamic vinaigrette, side dish