Description
A refreshing and colorful Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz. orzo pasta, cooked according to package
- 6 oz. blackberries
- 6 oz. blueberries
- 8 oz. strawberries, sliced
- 4 oz. fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup basil, sliced
- 1/4 cup mint, sliced
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/41/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1/41/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/21/2 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Cook Orzo Pasta: Start by boiling the orzo in salted water until it is al dente, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. It should have a slight bite, giving it that perfect texture. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Whisk Up the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until it is nicely blended. You will want it to be smooth and glossy. Be careful not to overdo it on the honey, or it may get a bit too sweet!
- Mix in Fresh Ingredients: Toss the cooled orzo with blackberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries, basil, and mint. Make sure everything is well-distributed for fruity bursts in every bite.
- Add in Mozzarella: Gently fold in bite-sized mozzarella pieces. Be cautious not to squish them; firm hands help keep the balls intact for that delightful pop when you bite into them.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the orzo salad, allowing it to coat everything evenly. If prepping ahead, serve the dressing on the side to keep things fresh and crunchy until it is time to dig in.
- Season & Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the salad right before you are ready to serve. This final touch brings all the flavors alive. Taste first to adjust seasoning to your liking without overwhelming the delicate fruit flavors.
Notes
- Refrigerate the salad for an hour before serving. It can also be served at room temperature.
- If you notice the salad becoming wet, serve the dressing on the side to maintain freshness. When preparing ahead, consider using firmer fruits like peaches or apples instead of softer berries to maintain texture. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey in the dressing to suit your taste. For a different flavor, you can swap mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangy twist. Including seasonal fruits like raspberries adds an interesting flavor and color to the salad.
- This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. There is no need to reheat.
- Serve chilled as a standalone dish. Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- You can substitute the orzo with any small pasta or quinoa for a different texture.
- Select fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. Avoid overripe fruits as they may break down too quickly. If necessary, adjust the sweetness based on fruit freshness and personal preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: 266
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 97mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 17mg