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Fresh Caprese Pesto Orzo Salad Recipe with Creamy Burrata

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A quick and easy fresh Caprese pesto orzo salad featuring tender orzo pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata cheese, tossed in a bright pesto dressing. Perfect for light summer meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) burrata cheese, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the orzo and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside in the strainer while you prep other ingredients.
  2. While the orzo cooks, halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and roughly chop 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Mince 1 garlic clove finely. If using fresh mozzarella, halve the small balls now. Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of pesto, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add the minced garlic, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Transfer the cooled orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved tomatoes, chopped basil, and mozzarella balls (if using). Pour the pesto dressing over everything and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Be careful not to break up the tomatoes or cheese too much.
  5. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and gently nestle them on top of the salad.
  6. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the salad for a delightful crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 20 minutes if preferred.

Notes

If pesto is too thick, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it before tossing. Rinse orzo under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool it for a refreshing salad. Be gentle when tossing to avoid breaking burrata and tomatoes. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Let salad sit 10-15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, pesto orzo salad, burrata salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-caprese-pesto-orzo-salad-recipe-with-creamy-burrata-easy-and-delicious/