Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad

Name: Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: 6 oz. orzo pasta (cooked according to package {you can use whole wheat or gluten-free}); 6 oz. blackberries; 6 oz. blueberries; 8 oz. strawberries (sliced {about 1 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries}); 4 oz. fresh buffalo mozzarella (sliced in half {about 2/3 cup of mozzarella}); 1/4 cup basil (sliced); 1/4 cup mint (sliced); 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon Lemon Extract (Nielsen-Massey); 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Nielsen-Massey); 1/2 teaspoon honey ({more or less depending on the sweetness you want})

Bring this Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad to your next picnic, BBQ or get together.

Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Total20 min
Makes5 servings
Calories266

Ingredients

5 servings

6 oz. orzo pasta (cooked according to package {you can use whole wheat or gluten-free})
6 oz. blackberries
6 oz. blueberries
8 oz. strawberries (sliced {about 1 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries})
4 oz. fresh buffalo mozzarella (sliced in half {about 2/3 cup of mozzarella})
1/4 cup basil (sliced)
1/4 cup mint (sliced)
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Lemon Extract (Nielsen-Massey)
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Nielsen-Massey)
1/2 teaspoon honey ({more or less depending on the sweetness you want})

Method

1
Cook the orzo according to the package. Run under cold water once it is done cooking and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl put the blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, fresh mozzarella, basil and mint and stir gently to combine.
3
In a small mason jar combine the olive oil, vanilla extract, lemon extract and honey and shake to combine.
4
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Refrigerate the salad for an hour before serving or you can serve it at room temperature.

Notes

Feel free to mix up the fruit if you would like by adding raspberries, peaches or nectarines or whatever is in season. With the dressing you may have to add a bit more of the olive oil and honey once the salad sits for a bit. Sometimes the dressing gets soaked into the salad. This salad is great with feta cheese instead of mozzarella as well.