This is my favorite salad for the summer! I serve it as a size when I'm grilling or eat it as is for lunch. It's a caprese salad with orzo. If you aren't familiar with orzo, it's a pasta that is shaped like rice. With just a little bit of preplanning, this is an easy and quick salad. It is bright-tasting and fresh looking and smelling. This is a pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes with fresh basil loaded with flavor from a balsamic vinaigrette. Every time I serve it, it just disappears!
Caprese Orzo Salad
Serve this pretty salad in mason jars if you are trying to proportion and offer single servings. Otherwise use a large bowl and have a side dish available for your guests to serve themselves.
I like serving it in mason jars, especially if I've made it ahead. If you do make it ahead, put just a little dressing on it, and add some more just before you serve it. The orzo tends to absorb it (and that, for the most part, is good).
Ingredients:
1 cup dry orzo pasta
8oz drained mozzarella pearls (small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese)
1 Pint of cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves, cut in chiffonade (roll the leaves then slice thinly)
Ingredients, Balsamic Dressing
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 large clove finely minced garlic
Instructions
Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Make sure you do not overcook it! Drain, stir in about 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil so the orzo doesn’t stick together. As it’s cooling, you will have to stir it a few times so the pasta doesn't stick.
Mix all balsamic dressing ingredients together in a mason jar. Notice that the mason jar has the measurement markings on it. No need to dirty any measuring cups! Shake well prior to serving.
Mix tomato halves, mozzarella pearls and basil into orzo. Add about ¾ of the dressing, reserving the balance to add just prior to serving. The pasta does absorb the dressing so it’s nice to drizzle some on just prior to serving.
This caprese pasta salad is such a nice alternative to a traditional lettuce-type salad. The ingredients are simple and full of flavor.
PrintMason Jar Caprese Orzo salad
A delicious pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. The easy balsamic vinaigrette creates a delicious looking and tasting salad!
- Category: salad
Ingredients
1 cup dry orzo
8oz drained mozzarella pearls (small balls of fresh mozzarella)
1 Pint cherry or grape tomatoes
Fresh basil, cut in chiffonade (roll the leaves then slice thinly)
Ingredients, Balsamic Dressing
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 large clove finely minced garlic
Instructions
Cook orzo pasta according to directions. Make sure you do not overcook it! Drain, stir in about 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil so the orzo doesn’t stick together. As it’s cooling, you will have to stir it a few times.
Mix all balsamic dressing ingredients together in a mason jar. Notice that the mason jar has the measurement markings on it. No need to dirty any measuring cups! Shake well prior to serving.
Mix tomato halves, mozzarella pearls and basil into orzo. Add about ¾ of the dressing, reserving the balance to add just prior to serving. The pasta does absorb the dressing so it’s nice to drizzle some on just prior to serving.
Notes
This salad looks great served in individual mason jars!
Love pasta salads? Try this create your own pasta salad! Perfect for picky eaters.
Pasta Bar
I love serving this in individual portions when I'm grilling. Try my delicious root beer ribs for a delicious change in flavor!
Originally published Feb. 24, 2017. Updated numerous times since.
DC
I was looking for orzo salad in a jar for a party dish and voila! Thanks so much. Can't wait to use it! What size jars do you typically use?
momcrieff
The best part, this is great for lunch the next day! Thanks for stopping by and for your comments.
Patti @ Garden Matter
Yummy. I make something very similar as a side dish but it's hot. I never thought of making it as a salad in a mason jar. Great idea!