Name: Caprese Orzo Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8oz uncooked orzo; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced in half; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8oz mozzarella balls, sliced in half; 1 cup basil, sliced into ribbons; 1/2 cup pine nuts; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; grated parmesan cheese

By: Erin7/17/24

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Refresh your taste buds with this delicious, nutrient-packed Caprese Orzo salad. Made with orzo, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a balsamic dressing, this dish is loaded with refreshing flavors in every single bite.

Easy healthy caprese orzo salad

As the weather finally starts to turn and warmer months creep in, I am all about loading up my recipe plans with refreshing meals. This caprese orzo salad is exactly that! Made with classic caprese ingredients like tomato and mozzarella, this delicious dish comes together with an orzo base and balsamic dressing.

What makes it so great is that though a salad, it leans more toward pasta salad territory than actual salad! It’s extra filling and protein-rich thanks to the orzo. The dish is nutrient-dense, easy to make, and oh so delicious! What’s not to love?!

Tip — Caprese orzo salad makes the perfect dish for a summer bbq!

Ingredients in this orzo caprese salad recipe

The ingredients comes together with a blend of orzo, vegetables, spices, and flavorings. The combination creates a dish whose flavor is simply unmatched! Below is everything you will need to recreate this recipe at home:

Orzo: The base of the salad begins with 8oz of uncooked orzo pasta. This will contribute to 8 servings.
Olive oil: 2 tbsp of olive oil will be used to cook the tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes: This recipe will use 2 pints of cherry tomatoes. They should be sliced in half prior to cooking. Grape tomatoes will work as well.
Garlic: Then, add flavor with 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Mozzarella: Cheese is a must! This recipe calls for 8oz of mozzarella cheese balls. Like the tomatoes, slice them in half before using in the recipe. (You may see these labeled as “mozzarella pearls.” Those work too!)
Basil: Next, create the classic caprese flavor by including 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. They should be sliced into ribbons.
Pine nuts: 1/2 cup of pine nuts will add both flavor and crunch.
Olive oil: 1/3 cup of olive oil will serve as the base of the dressing. It can be extra virgin olive oil or refined.
Balsamic vinegar: Follow that with 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to create a delicious taste.
Honey: Add a dash of sweet flavor with 1 tbsp of honey.
Dijon mustard: Then, do the same with 1 tbsp of dijon mustard.
Salt & pepper: Salt and pepper, of course! Use 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
Garlic powder: Then, finish out the seasonings with 1 tsp of garlic powder.
Parmesan cheese: Last but not least, grated parmesan cheese will be used on top.

Tools used to make this caprese orzo salad recipe

To make this recipe, you will need a pot, stirring utensil, sauté pan, glass measuring cup, and whisk. For measuring ingredients, you will need 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make this caprese pasta salad

This dish is made on the stove. We’ll start by cooking the orzo, and then we’ll lightly sauté the tomatoes before adding to a dish with the orzo and balsamic sauce. The rest of the dish comes together with the addition of mozzarella, basil and nuts. You can expect preparation and cooking to require around 20-25 minutes of total time.

First, cook the orzo according to the package and set aside to cool.

Then, heat a saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the tomatoes and garlic and cook until the tomatoes have just blistered and start to soften. Set aside.

In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create the balsamic vinaigrette.

Start assembling the salad by adding the tomatoes and garlic to the orzo, followed by the cut mozzarella balls, basil, and pine nuts. Pour the dressing over the top of the dish and mix until well combined.

Top with the grated parmesan cheese and extra basil.

Looking for a side dish?

You can enjoy this recipe with a variety of sides! Go heavy on the veggies with potatoes (mashed, garlic, or glazed!), green bean casserole or roasted honey carrots. If you’re feeling less veggies and more soup, go with this creamy cauliflower soup, Italian wedding soup, or even French onion!

Storing leftovers

Leftover caprese salad should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not freeze; it’s best when enjoyed fresh!

Recipe Tips

What is caprese salad made of?

This caprese orzo pasta salad recipe is made with orzo, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, pine nuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese.

Why is caprese salad so good?

It’s refreshing! Between the cherry tomato and mozzarella combo and the balsamic, honey, and basil, this dish fills the belly while feeling refreshing and light.

How healthy is caprese salad?

This dish is light and nutrient rich, but exact nutrition facts come down to the ingredients that you use. For exact information, pay attention to the labels of the food brands you use in this recipe.

Is fresh mozzarella and tomato healthy?

Yes! Both ingredients are very nutrient-dense. Mozzarella contains protein, calcium, and fats, while cherry tomatoes include complex carbs and fiber.

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Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa

★★★★★ 5 from 4 reviews