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Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

Italian Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
  • ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
  • ⅓ cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • Black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the orzo in well-salted boiling water until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes, mozzarella, roasted peppers, and olives until evenly mixed.
  4. Add the cooled orzo and dressing to the bowl. Fold everything gently until the pasta is fully coated.
  5. Scatter the torn basil over the top, give it a final fold, and serve. For deeper flavor, chill for 30 minutes first.

Notes

The salad tastes best after a short rest, so I often make it before I need it and let it hang out in the fridge for half an hour. If making ahead, hold back the basil and add it just before serving so it stays perky and green.