Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad Recipe – Easy, Fresh, and Perfect for Summer

Looking for a quick, delicious, and refreshing pasta salad to serve at your next cookout or weekday lunch? This Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad recipe combines all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad—juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—with the light, satisfying texture of orzo pasta and rich pesto. It’s the ultimate summer side dish or light main course!

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning your weekly meal prep, or looking for a vegetarian pasta salad that everyone will love, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

🥗 What Is Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad?

Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad is a twist on the traditional Italian Caprese salad, which typically features tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This version adds orzo pasta and basil pesto to turn the beloved appetizer into a hearty, flavorful pasta dish. It’s perfect served cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings, picnics, and potlucks.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, for drizzling

👩‍🍳 How to Make Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (about 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil pesto. Gently toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Seasoning

Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional) for extra flavor. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors meld.

💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan pesto.
More Texture: Add toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for crunch.
More Greens: Mix in baby spinach or arugula for added nutrients.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is orzo a grain or pasta?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta made from wheat. It’s often used in soups, salads, and pasta dishes.

Can I make Caprese Orzo Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.

What kind of pesto should I use?

Classic basil pesto is ideal, but you can also try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist.

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✅ Why This Recipe Works

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20–25 minutes
Fresh and Flavorful: Perfect for summer with minimal cooking
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by adults and kids alike
Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for lunchboxes or entertaining

📌 Conclusion

This Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad recipe is everything you want in a summer dish: light, bright, easy to make, and packed with fresh Italian flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a simple main course, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Try it once, and it’ll become a warm-weather staple in your kitchen!

Meta Description (SEO):
Try this easy and fresh Caprese Orzo Pesto Salad recipe made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, and orzo pasta. Perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or meal prep!

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