Let’s make Caprese orzo pasta salad

Do you remember my pasta salad challenge? Probably not because no one has really seen it and it stopped at 2 recipes. So, last year, last spring, I decided to do the great pasta salad challenge. The main idea is to produce different pasta salad recipes just in time for the summer grilling season and various celebrations that usually take place around big tables. Which may be available just in time for the warmer weather.

The great thing about make-ahead Caprese pasta salad is that it is served cold. Don’t mix with the sauce and you can serve it for the next 2 days if refrigerated properly. This orzo Caprese pasta salad is super easy and delicious and wonderful accompanied by various grilled meats.

What goes in a pasta salad?

First of all, you need your most important weapon of choice – pasta. Obviously, we went with orzo this time, just because it is such a fun shape.

For a caprese you need tomatoes and mozzarella. We blistered some cherry tomatoes on the pan with some spices and sugar to get the perfect caramelized jammy tomato. Once lightly pressed with a fork, it releases all those wonderful juices.

Fresh mozzarella, you can go with mini mozzarellas or just shred some larger mozza. I always use fresh one that comes in brine because it has a completely different texture and stretches to it.

Then you need sauce of some kind. This pesto Caprese pasta salad has it all. Good olive oil, pesto, and some balsamic vinegar drizzle on top.

And a surprise appearance of fresh strawberries, just to start the warm season already!

Why pasta salads are the pinnacle of BBQ entertaining?

Where I live, we have this thing that we call “the Swedish table” which basically means that there are 10 and even 20 smaller mixed dishes on the table and everyone just serves themselves. There are usually some hot mains and then 5 different weird salads, usually mayonnaise-based and with unidentifiable ingredients. At least one of those is usually a pasta salad. Different in winter and something completely else during summer when most stuff is cooked outside.

I think this is like a potluck recipe to bring in a large bowl for people to enjoy or make during the Midsummer solstice celebration. While there may not be many large celebrations this year, this Caprese summer pasta salad can be made ahead and brought over for a nice grilled lunch with the in-laws.

 

 

Unclear about the recipe and its origins?

Read some pasta salad-related questions answered below!

Is Caprese salad unhealthy?

There are tomatoes, good fresh cheese, nice basil pesto, and some pasta in this recipe. When eaten in moderation, there is nothing unhealthy in this recipe.

Is it best to make pasta salad the day before?

If you absolutely don’t have the time a few hours before the main event, then it can be done. Ideally, I would just skip the pesto and balsamico from the whole thing and add those last so it doesn’t water down and discolor from the balsamico.

What goes with Caprese salad?

Caprese salad is the best way to enjoy good tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Other ingredients added are usually – good olive oil, balsamico, black pepper, and fresh basil.

How long do you cook orzo for?

While most brands will have instructions on the package that usually says somewhere between 8 and 10 minutes. You can check out some helpful posts or videos to be absolutely sure.