Bring Caprese Orzo Salad to Your Next Potluck and Be a Buffet Table Hero

Light, bright pasta and tomato vibes

Photo: TheCookNook / Shutterstock

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Orzo is a tiny pasta that looks sort of like oversized rice. For this orzo salad, just toss in all the ingredients of a classic caprese – ripe, bright red cherry tomatoes, bites of mozzarella cheese, and basil. Beyond that, it’s up to you. Want to omit the cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese? Do it! Want to add some additional veggies? Works! Just chop them up so they’re in bite sizes that fit with the other mix-ins.

Whatever ends up in your bowl, the results are a perfect party buffet item. It’s good at room temperature and easy to eat with one hand while standing around holding your plate.


More Related Recipes to Try Next:
Autumn Vegetable Roast with Orzo
Italian Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean Sandwich with Peppery Green Pesto


Caprese Orzo Salad

Servings
8

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cup orzo
  • 1 small red or white onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 Tbs. lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz. fresh mini mozzarella balls, drained and halved
  • 1/2 lb. snow peas, cut on diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup grated carrots

Preparation

  1. Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain, and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent from sticking.
  2. Meanwhile, stir together onion, oil, and lemon juice in small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Transfer orzo to large bowl, and stir in onion mixture and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella-ball halves, snow peas, and carrots. Before serving, check seasoning and add more lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper, if necessary.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 370
  • Carbohydrate Content 35 g
  • Cholesterol Content 23 mg
  • Fat Content 21 g
  • Fiber Content 3 g
  • Protein Content 11 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 6 g
  • Sodium Content 34 mg
  • Sugar Content 5 g