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Fresh Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Orzo Pasta Salad

sun-dried tomato and mozzarella orzo pasta salad - featured image
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A fresh, tangy, and creamy orzo pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a light lemon vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 270g) orzo pasta, uncooked
  • ¾ cup packed and sliced sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or dry-packed rehydrated)
  • 8 ounces (about 225g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 ½ cups (270g) of orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the orzo in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled orzo, ¾ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes, 8 ounces torn fresh mozzarella, ½ cup sliced fresh basil, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and ¼ cup finely diced red onion.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
  6. Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top if using, and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  7. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. For best flavor, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat oily sun-dried tomatoes with a paper towel to avoid greasiness. Do not overcook orzo; it should be al dente. Tear mozzarella by hand for better texture. Add lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the dressing. Let salad rest for flavors to meld but add fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: orzo pasta salad, sun-dried tomato salad, mozzarella pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, fresh basil salad

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/fresh-sun-dried-tomato-and-mozzarella-orzo-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-for-summer/