Caprese Orzo Salad

Delicious and refreshing Caprese Orzo Salad consists of orzo that's dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette with chopped chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil. It's light enough to be a side salad and can be served as a main dish.

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 636kcal

Author Whitney Wright

Ingredients

Balsamic Vinaigrette

5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic minced
3/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Caprese Orzo Salad

12 oz orzo pasta
8 oz fresh mozzarella cut into bite size pieces
1 pint grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
1-2 cups cooked chicken cubed

Instructions

Add the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and salt and pepper to a bowl or jar. Slowly add the olive oil and vigorously whisk until combined. This dressing can be made in advanced and covered then stored in the fridge for 1 week. Before using whisk vigorously to combine.
Cook orzo in salted water for 7 mins. When done, cool pasta in ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drizzle some of the balsamic dressing over the orzo. Add mozzarella, tomatoes, cooked chicken, and chopped basil and toss to combine. Serve immediately or cover and store in the fridge to serve chilled.
Will keep covered, in the fridge for 1 week.

Notes

You can use fresh mozzarella pearls (small mozzarella balls) if you don’t want to worry about cutting the mozzarella.

Will serve 6 generous main dish servings or 12 or so servings if served as a side.

Nutrition