Print

Fresh Caprese Orzo Salad

Fresh Caprese Orzo Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and refreshing summer salad combining orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 280g) orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (280g) of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes—until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the orzo cooks, pour ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar if using. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency—about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of mozzarella pearls, ½ cup torn fresh basil, and 1 finely minced garlic clove to the orzo. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
  4. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss lightly again to distribute the sweet-tangy flavor. Be careful not to overmix or the mozzarella might break down.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and add a few fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.

Notes

If the balsamic glaze thickens too much as it cools, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it before drizzling. Use a folding motion when mixing to keep mozzarella pearls intact. For a dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu cubes or vegan cheese pearls. For gluten-free, use quinoa or rice-shaped pasta instead of orzo.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, orzo salad, summer salad, balsamic glaze, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/fresh-caprese-orzo-salad-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-summer-flavor/