This Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad is where delicious, fresh caprese salad meets pasta salad! Simple and fresh, it’s a perfect summertime side dish or light dinner! It’s super simple and done in about 20 minutes!
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If you need a quick and easy side dish for a summer BBQ, look no further than this Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad! It’s always a crowd favorite and great news for you– it’s SO EASY!
This is such a good pasta salad to bring to gatherings because it can be made in advance AND it has no mayo. My Perfect Orzo Salad and Sweet Corn Salad are always big hits, too and could not be easier! This pesto pasta salad recipe can be made in about 20 minutes…and that includes making your own FRESH HOMEMADE PESTO!
Listen, I can hear some of you guys now…..”but I can’t make my own pesto! It’s sooooo complicated!” ((or maybe this was just me before I tried it!)) I promise, it’s SO EASY. Throw a handful of ingredients into the food processor, blend for about 20 seconds and you’re DONE!
Making your own pesto is perfect in the summer if you have basil plants that are going wild!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Delicious, fresh and healthy!
- Makes an easy side dish or light dinner!
- You can make your own delicious pesto sauce in about 5 minutes or use store bought!
- Perfect for summer parties because you can make it ahead and it’s mayo-free!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Orzo Pesto Salad:
INGREDIENT NOTES
Pesto: Store bought is fine, but I am begging you to TRY my homemade Basil Arugula Pesto! I promise it’s worth the extra 5-10 minutes!!
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: I like to get the smaller sized balls and cut them in half. You can also get a larger “block” of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small pieces.
Balsamic Glaze: This is a balsamic reduction and can be found in a handy squeeze bottle near the vinegar at your grocery store.
HOW TO MAKE CAPRESE PESTO ORZO SALAD: STEP BY STEP
Full instructions are in the recipe card below!
Step 1: First, boil up your orzo.
Step 2: While the orzo is boiling, whip up your fresh homemade basil arugula pesto (or grab your store bought pesto). Then, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
Step 3: Drain/rinse and cool orzo completely.
Step 4: Add pesto and toss.
Step 5: Add tomatoes and mozzarella and toss gently. Drizzle on balsamic glaze (if using)!
STORAGE
Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When enjoying the leftovers, I always like to add a little more of the Basil Arugula Pesto and a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up!
ADDITIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
Additions: This pasta salad stands very well on it’s own but here are a few fun additions!
- Parmesan cheese
- Red onion
- Lemon zest….for a little zing!
Substitutions:
Pesto: If you don’t want to make your own pesto (Recipe here: 10 Minute Basil Arugula Pesto no pine nuts), any store bought fresh basil pesto is fine! You can even mix it up and use sun dried tomato pesto!
Mozzarella Pearls: Another cheese would work here such as feta cheese, goat cheese, Parmesan cheese or even smoked gouda would be delish!
Orzo: You can use another pasta as well such as Ditilini or Orecchiette. Can’t find orzo? Here are 15 great substitutes for orzo!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not at all! You can really use any kind of pasta for this caprese pesto salad, but I have found smaller pasta seems to work best. Ditalini, Orecchitte, Macaroni or Rotini are all great! Check out the complete list of 15 Substitutes for Orzo here.
Balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar and sometimes a little sugar reduced down to a thick glaze. It’s a little sweet, a little savory and perfect drizzled over the top of this caprese pesto salad!
You can find balsamic glaze near the vinegar at most grocery store. Or you can make your own!
Grilled meats and fish are at the very top of my list! It’s also perfect for backyard BBQ’s and parties because there is no mayo and it can sit out for a while and still be delish!
MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad
Ingredients
- 1 16oz package orzo + salt for boiling the pasta
- 3/4 cup fresh arugula and basil pesto (See Note 1) recipe here or store bought pesto is fine too!
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, halved or mini mozzarella balls
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- balsamic glaze, for drizzling See Note 2
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a big pinch of salt. Boil orzo to al dente, according to package directions. Drain, rinse in cold water and cool at least to room temperature.
- When orzo is cooled, add it to a large bowl. Stir in pesto until orzo is nicely coated.
- Gently toss in mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes.
- When you're ready to serve, drizzle with balsamic glaze!
Sara Welch says
This was a great twist to a delicious recipe! Enjoyed this for dinner and it was a hit all around the table! So simple yet satisfying; loved every bite!
Anjali says
This salad was super easy to make, and the pesto brought a wonderful brightness to the dish! I made a big batch and had it for lunch a few days in a row – it was perfect!
Andrea M. says
The caprese with the pesto is a fantastic flavor combination. My family is going to really enjoy this.
Anita says
I love caprese salad, and I instantly love this caprese salad. It’s easy and delicious.
Jess says
I love how fresh and simple this salad is. A total must for every summer BBQ!