Orzo Salad with Roasted Peppers, Basil and Mozzarella Pearls
In short: Orzo pasta with roasted red peppers, capers, basil and mozzarella pearls in a garlicky red wine vinaigrette. Great for picnics and buffets. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Orzo, the rice-shaped pasta, makes a more forgiving base for salad than larger shapes, because the small pieces mix evenly with the dressing and stay tender when cold. This version leans on pantry staples: jarred roasted red peppers, capers and a garlicky red wine vinaigrette. Mozzarella pearls and fresh basil bring creaminess and aroma. It is a good dish to make the night before a picnic or buffet.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water for 30 seconds and shake the sieve well to remove all the water.
- Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, honey, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the drained orzo to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it stand for 10 minutes so the dressing is absorbed.
- Fold in the roasted peppers, red onion, capers and mozzarella pearls.
- Tear in most of the basil and toss gently. Taste and add more salt or vinegar if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the rest of the basil. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Orzo keeps absorbing dressing as it sits. Hold back a spoonful of dressing, or have a little olive oil and lemon juice ready, to freshen the salad before serving.
- Sliced olives, diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes make good variations, and cooked chickpeas turn it into a main course.
Questions and answers
Can I make orzo salad the day before?
Yes. Make it up to 2 days ahead and freshen it with a splash of oil or lemon juice before serving. Add the basil just before it goes to the table.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Small shapes such as ditalini, small shells or fregola work well. Cook them for the time given on the packet.
Should orzo salad be served cold?
It can be eaten cold or at room temperature. The flavor is stronger at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving.
How long does it take to make Orzo Salad with Roasted Peppers, Basil and Mozzarella Pearls?
About 30 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Orzo Salad with Roasted Peppers, Basil and Mozzarella Pearls?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 570 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
