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

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 sticking—orzo 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:

Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a more indulgent bite.
Sprinkle with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor profile.

🌾 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