Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad RecipeFresh, vibrant, and packed with summer flavor

Vibrant Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and orzo pasta tossed in homemade pesto, served in a white bowl.

When summer rolls in, nothing hits the spot quite like a refreshing pasta salad—especially one that combines the beloved flavors of a classic Salad Caprese with the nutty herbaceous goodness of pesto. Introducing the Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad, a vibrant and satisfying dish that doubles as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side for picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making this irresistible Orzo Salad, explore how it draws inspiration from the iconic Ensalada Caprese, and offer expert tips and variations for turning it into your new favorite Orzo Pasta Salad. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a fan of Giada De Laurentiis‘ Italian flair, this recipe is your gateway to a delicious Mediterranean-style summer dish.


⭐ Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad

  • Fresh and healthy: Packed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a zesty homemade pesto.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings.
  • Polyvalent: Enjoy it as a vegetarian main, a side with grilled chicken, or a creative twist on macaroni salad.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling!

🧾 Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this Orzo Salad sing with flavor:

Pour la Salade:

  • 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1½ cups fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt & pepperau goût ,

For the Homemade Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & pepperau goût ,
  • Juice of ½ lemon, optional for brightness

Note: You can substitute with store-bought pesto in a pinch, but fresh pesto enhances the authentic flavor of the dish.


🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions

Etape 1: faire Cuire l'Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions (typically 7–9 minutes) until al dente.

Conseil Pro: Stir occasionally to prevent stickingorzo tends to clump if left unattended.

Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for salad use. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.


Step 2: Make the Basil Pesto

While the orzo cooks, prepare your pesto.

In a food processor, combine:

  • Basil leaves
  • Pine nuts
  • Garlic cloves
  • Parmesan
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice if desired for extra zing.


Etape 3: Assembler la Salade

Add the following to the bowl of cooled orzo:

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mozzarella pearls
  • Red onion slices (if using)
  • Torn basil leaves

Gently mix to distribute.

Next, pour the pesto over the salad. Start with ½ cup and toss to coat. Add more to taste, depending on how saucy you prefer your salad.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan shavings if desired.


Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Perfect as a stand-alone dish or a side with grilled meats, seafood, or a Mediterranean spread.


🧡 Caprese Meets Orzo: A Match Made in Heaven

The classic Salad Caprese (Ensalada Caprese in Spanish) is a timeless combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—a flavor trio celebrated throughout Italian cuisine. By folding these elements into a delicate orzo pasta base and coating it with a luscious basil pesto, we transform it into a refreshing and hearty salade de pâtes that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

This recipe is a Mediterranean twist on traditional macaroni salad, without the heavy mayo or pickles. It’s bright, clean, and full of real ingredients that make you feel good.


🥗 Nutritional Benefits

Cette orzo salad recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with goodness:

  • Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
  • Mozzarella: A source of calcium and protein.
  • Basil: Anti-inflammatory and aromatic.
  • L'huile d'Olive: Heart-healthy fats.
  • Orzo: A satisfying carb that keeps you energized.

Make it even healthier by swapping in whole wheat orzo or adding leafy greens like arugula or baby spinach.


🔁 Variations and Customizations

🧄 Add-Ins:

  • Grilled Chicken: Make it a protein-packed main.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Add smoky sweetness.
  • Olives or Capers: For a briny kick.
  • Avocado Slices: Creamy and fresh.

🧀 Cheese Alternatives:

🌾 Grain Swap:

  • Substitute quinoa, couscous, or farro if orzo isn’t available—though it may lose the silky texture orzo offers.

👩‍🍳 Tips from the Test Kitchen

  • Don’t overcook the orzo: It should have a firm bite to hold up in the salad.
  • Use high-quality olive oil: Since this is a raw dressing, flavor matters.
  • Prep ahead: This salad stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge—just freshen it with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
  • Serve on a platter: For a stunning presentation, layer the salad and top with basil leaves, extra pesto drizzles, and cracked pepper.

🌿 A Nod to Giada De Laurentiis

If you’re a fan of Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, you’ll love how this dish embodies her cooking philosophy: simple, fresh ingredients with bold Italian flair. Giada often highlights orzo recipes that are light yet flavorful, and this Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad could easily belong in her summer lineup.


🧺 Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a:

  • Picnic
  • Potluck
  • Meal prep week
  • Holiday cookout

Cette orzo salad delivers on taste, texture, and visual appeal. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and gets people asking for the recipe.


🧊 Storage Tips

  • Réfrigérateur: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Keep extra pesto separate and mix in just before eating to maintain freshness.
  • Freezing not recommended: Due to the fresh tomatoes and cheese, this dish is best enjoyed fresh.

🌟 What Readers Are Saying

“I made this Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad for a baby shower and it was a huge hit! So easy and absolutely delicious.” – Maria P.

“Better than any deli macaroni salad I’ve had. This is fresh, vibrant, and super satisfying.” – John L.

“As a vegetarian, this is now my go-to lunch meal prep for summer. I add chickpeas for extra protein!” – Sarah W.


📋 Printable Recipe Card

Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingrédients

  • 1½ cups orzo pasta
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1½ cups mozzarella pearls
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup torn basil leaves
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a food processor, blend basil, nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, mix orzo with tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and basil.
  4. Toss with pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Chill for 20 minutes and serve!

🧾 Final Thoughts

L' Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad combines everything we love about summer in a bowl—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender pasta, all bound by a zippy homemade pesto. It’s a creative upgrade to your typical macaroni salad and a shining example of how fresh ingredients can create unforgettable meals.

Whether you’re channeling the flavors of Italy, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, or just seeking a clean-eating salad pasta, this recipe is sure to be a seasonal staple.

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