Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces orzo pasta {try whole wheat for a healthier version} (cooked according to package); 2 pints cherry tomatoes (sliced in half); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls {if you can't find the pearls you can do the small balls or you can slice fresh mozzarella into small chunks}; 3/4 cup fresh basil (loosely packed, torn); 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3 garlic cloves (minced); salt and pepper to taste; balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)

This Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad is the perfect light pasta salad that mixes together orzo with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and is tossed in a light balsamic vinegar dressing. You can make this salad as part of your weekly meal-prep or make it ahead for a big get together. Guests always love this fresh salad at get togethers and parties!

Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Total20 min
Makes6 servings
Calories458

Ingredients

6 servings

8 ounces orzo pasta {try whole wheat for a healthier version} (cooked according to package)
2 pints cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls {if you can't find the pearls you can do the small balls or you can slice fresh mozzarella into small chunks}
3/4 cup fresh basil (loosely packed, torn)

For the dressing:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 garlic cloves (minced)
salt and pepper to taste
balsamic glaze for garnish (optional)

Method

1
Cook the orzo according to the package. Let cool completely or run under cold water until cooled.
2
While the orzo cooks chop your cherry tomatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Add in the mozzarella pearls and basil. Add the orzo and toss gently.
3
In a mason jar or salad dressing container combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, oregano, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. You can add balsamic glaze just before serving {optional}.
5
Store the leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days. When I use the leftovers will often toss a little more olive oil and balsamic in the salad.

Notes

Cool the orzo completely before tossing, hot pasta wilts the basil and softens the mozzarella. Use fresh mozzarella packed in water, not shredded. The texture and flavor are completely different. Tear the basil rather than chopping it to keep it fragrant and prevent browning. Hold back half the dressing if making ahead. Add it right before serving so the orzo does not absorb everything. Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon before serving. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas to make this a complete meal