Caprese Orzo Salad

By Maria Lichty

Published on September 01, 2023

Quick Summary

Caprese Orzo Salad- this simple pasta salad is made with orzo, pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. It is the perfect salad for potlucks, picnics, easy lunches, or even a light dinner.

caprese orzo salad with fresh basil, mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic in large bowl with spoon. - 1

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I always love a classic caprese salad, but sometimes it is fun to mix it up ( caprese sandwich , caprese garlic bread , and caprese pizza ).

I also love this Caprese Orzo Salad . It has all of the flavors of a classic caprese salad, but it is hearty thanks to the addition of orzo. I love orzo salads, my Easy Orzo Salad is another good one.

You only need 7 ingredients and 20 minutes to make this salad. It is the perfect recipe for when you are short on time!

The basil pesto gives the orzo lots of flavor. Stir in ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. I like to finish the salad with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze. It is the perfect finishing touch.

This salad is a great recipe for potlucks, cookouts, or picnics. It is always a crowd pleaser. I also love making it for lunches or a light dinner.

  1. Ingredients
  2. How to Make Caprese Orzo Salad
  3. Serving Suggestions
  4. How to Store
  5. More Caprese Recipes
  6. More Pasta Salad Recipes
  7. Caprese Orzo Salad Recipe
ingredients in bowls to make caprese orzo salad. - 2

Ingredients

  • Orzo – Orzo is a form of short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice. Look for it in the past aisle.
  • Pesto – we love our homemade pesto , but store bought is fine too!
  • Tomatoes – cut grape (or cherry) tomatoes in half!
  • Fresh mozzarella – I like to use fresh mozzarella pearls, they are the perfect size for salads. If you can’t find the pearls, you can chop up fresh mozzarella.
  • Basil -I add fresh basil for extra flavor!
  • Lemon juice – I like to stir in a little bit of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the salad.
  • Balsamic glaze – for drizzling at the end!
orzo in colander. - 3

How to Make Caprese Orzo Salad

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a big pinch of salt.
  • Cook orzo to al dente, according to package directions. Use a colander to drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
orzo with pesto in big bowl. - 4
  • Add the pesto and stir until the orzo is well coated.
  • Add the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper, If necessary.
  • You can place in the refrigerator to chill or serve at room temperature. When ready to serve, drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
orzo, pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in large serving bowl. - 5

Serving Suggestions

This fresh and simple pasta salad is a great side dish to any meal. If you need some recipe ideas, here are a few of our favorites to serve with this salad.

  • Steak Kabobs
  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Best Grilled Cheese
  • Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken
  • Easy White Bean Skillet
  • Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

How to Store

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We love the leftovers for lunch or easy dinners! It’s a great salad to pack for school or work lunches.

If the salad loses a little flavor, you can always brighten it up with a little additional pesto.

More Caprese Recipes

  • Caprese Garlic Bread
  • Caprese Pasta Salad
  • Summer Caprese Salad
  • Caprese Sandwich
  • Berry Caprese Salad
caprese orzo salad on white plate with fork. - 6

More Pasta Salad Recipes

  • Easy Orzo Salad
  • Easy Pasta Salad
  • BLT Pasta Salad
  • Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Pesto Pasta Salad
Caprese Orzo Salad - 7

Salads

Caprese Orzo Salad

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • 8 oz orzo pasta, kosher salt for boiling the pasta
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, or chopped fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling, optional

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a big pinch of salt. Cook orzo to al dente, according to package directions. Use a colander to drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the pesto and stir until the orzo is well coated. Add the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper, If necessary.
  • You can place in the refrigerator to chill or serve at room temperature. When ready to serve, drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.

Nutrition

Have you tried this recipe?

Caprese Orzo Salad - 8

Caprese Orzo Salad

Recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod

Ingredients

  • 8 oz orzo pasta, kosher salt for boiling the pasta
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, or chopped fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling, optional

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a big pinch of salt. Cook orzo to al dente, according to package directions. Use a colander to drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the pesto and stir until the orzo is well coated. Add the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper, If necessary.
  • You can place in the refrigerator to chill or serve at room temperature. When ready to serve, drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.

Nutrition