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Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

This Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is your new go-to summer side dish. With juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, it’s fresh, light, and dangerously easy to eat. Bring it to a picnic, a BBQ, or just make it for yourself—you won’t want to share.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5

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