Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Description
In this Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad, orzo is cooked to al dente and mixed with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Half of the halved cherry tomatoes are roasted to bring out a concentrated sweetness and soften their texture, while the other half remain raw to add freshness and bite. Fresh mozzarella pearls provide creamy contrast, and fragrant basil leaves along with minced parsley and chives contribute herbal notes throughout the salad.
The salad offers a balance of textures and flavors—plump, gently cooked pasta; sweet, tender roasted tomatoes; crisp, bright raw tomatoes; and soft cheese melded with a tangy dressing. It can be served at room temperature or chilled, making it adaptable for side dishes or light meals, especially during warmer months.
For variation, the recipe suggests substituting orzo with other small pasta shapes without losing the salad’s character. The use of fresh herbs and quality balsamic vinegar highlights the fresh, bright profile typical to Caprese-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 pints cherry tomato halved and divided
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup basil torn, fresh leaves
- 2 tablespoons parsley freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons chives freshly minced
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt to taste, kosher salt and freshly cracked
- black pepper to taste, kosher salt and freshly cracked
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain the orzo and let it cool slightly.
- Prep the dressing. Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl and whisk together until well mixed.
- Transfer the orzo pasta to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to dress.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and transfer 1 pint of the halved tomatoes onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Transfer to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Remove and let cool. Then sprinkle with flaky salt, pepper and the herbs.
- Add both roasted and raw tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and basil leaves to the pasta bowl and toss until combined. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- This salad can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled according to preference.
- Feel free to substitute orzo with similar small pasta shapes such as fusilli, cavatappi, farfalle, casarecce, orecchiette, or ditalini.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 568kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 84mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 686mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1549IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 256mg | 26% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
