If you love Caprese Salad but want it in a big, satisfying bowl, this Ridiculously Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is your answer. It’s got all the essentials—Fresh Mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette—tossed with orzo for the perfect Easy Summer Meal.
I threw this together on a scorching day when cooking felt like punishment, and guess what? It takes almost no effort but delivers serious flavor. Whether you need a Cold Caprese Pasta Salad for a picnic or a quick Food Recipe for Lunch, this one’s a keeper. Bonus points if you drizzle on extra balsamic glaze!
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large salad bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta 8 ounces (yields about 2 ½ cups cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for tossing cooked orzo
- 1 pint about 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls about 1 cup
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn or thinly sliced
- Balsamic glaze optional, for drizzling
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- Toss the Orzo with Oil: Transfer the drained orzo to a large salad bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool to room temperature.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until fully blended and slightly thickened.¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon honey, Salt
- Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil to the cooled orzo.1 pint about 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half, 6 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.Black pepper
- Chill or Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- (Optional) Add a Finishing Touch: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.Balsamic glaze
Caprese Pasta Salad: Because You Deserve a Fancy Salad Without the Effort
So, you’re making this Ridiculously Easy Caprese Pasta Salad—great choice! But let me let you in on a few secrets, because I’ve made this at least a hundred times (okay, maybe more like ten, but who’s counting?). Here’s everything you need to know to make this salad even better, or at least prevent yourself from making a total mess of it.
🔥 Pro Tips & Sneaky Swaps
1. Orzo vs. Literally Any Other Pasta
Sure, orzo is cute and soaks up the dressing like a champ, but don’t panic if you don’t have it. Rotini, bowties, penne—basically anything small and bite-sized will work. Just don’t use spaghetti unless you enjoy the challenge of twirling pasta in a salad.
2. Mozzarella Pearls: Fancy or Just Convenient?
Mini mozzarella pearls look fancy, but if you only have a big ball of Fresh Mozzarella, just chop it up. In a pinch, you could even shred regular mozzarella (I won’t tell). Feeling extra indulgent? Swap in Burrata Caprese style—because why not?
3. Tomatoes: The Riper, The Better
If your tomatoes taste like water, your salad will taste like sadness. Grape or cherry tomatoes are great, but if you have some juicy heirlooms lying around, chop those up instead. Just avoid the sad, pale winter tomatoes unless you enjoy disappointment.
4. Basil: Fresh is Non-Negotiable
Dried basil? Don’t even think about it. Fresh basil is everything in this salad. If you don’t have it, substitute with baby spinach or arugula for a different vibe.
5. The Balsamic Situation
The vinaigrette is simple and perfect, but if you want extra drama, drizzle on some balsamic glaze at the end. It’s like the difference between dressing up and just throwing on sweats—it works, but why not add a little flair?
6. Making it Ahead? Here’s the Trick
This salad gets better as it sits, but the pasta also soaks up the dressing like a sponge. If you’re making it in advance, keep a little extra vinaigrette on the side and toss it in right before serving to bring it back to life.
7. Want More Protein?
Toss in grilled chicken (hello, Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken) or even chickpeas if you’re feeling vegetarian but still want some substance.
8. Leftovers? Lucky You.
This salad actually makes amazing leftovers—just refresh it with a splash of olive oil and balsamic before eating. If it’s looking a little dry, a squeeze of lemon can wake it up.
9. Fancying it Up for a Potluck?
People love a pretty salad, so layer it in a big serving bowl, throw some extra basil on top, and act like you spent hours on it (even though it took 15 minutes). If you’re feeling extra, add some toasted pine nuts or parmesan.
Final Thought: Just Make It Already
It’s fresh, it’s easy, and it makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, bringing it to a BBQ, or just making an Easy Summer Meal for yourself, this Caprese Pasta Salad always delivers. And if you mess it up? Just add more cheese—nobody ever complains about that. 😉
