5 from 52 votes
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad combines tender orzo pasta with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Roasting half the cherry tomatoes deepens their sweetness and softens their texture, balancing the freshness of the raw tomatoes. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add brightness. This salad can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for various meals and occasions.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
4
people
Calories:
568 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Salad, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
American
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
- black pepper to taste, kosher salt and freshly cracked
- salt 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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 568
% 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.