Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad
This vibrant Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad combines fresh berries, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs for a delightful, refreshing dish.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mason jar
Ingredients
- 6 oz. orzo pasta cooked according to package
- 6 oz. blackberries
- 6 oz. blueberries
- 8 oz. strawberries sliced (about 1 1/2 cup of sliced strawberries)
- 4 oz. fresh buffalo mozzarella sliced in half (about 2/3 cup of mozzarella)
- ¼ cup basil sliced
- ¼ cup mint sliced
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon Lemon Extract Nielsen-Massey
- ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract Nielsen-Massey
- ½ teaspoon honey more or less depending on the sweetness you want
Instructions
- Start by tossing the cooked orzo pasta and the sliced strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries in a large bowl. You will see those vibrant colors immediately brighten your day. This salad loves fresh ingredients, so do not use overripe fruits as they will mush up too much.
- Next, layer in the fresh mozzarella slices, basil, and mint. The creamy cheese and fragrant herbs will combine beautifully. Just be careful to break the mozzarella gently; it should stay intact for pleasant bites and not turn into a gooey mess.
- Take a small bowl and whisk together olive oil, lemon extract, vanilla extract, and honey until it is smooth. You might notice the lovely aroma coming through as the ingredients blend. Be cautious not to add too much honey if you are after a less sweet taste, as it can overpower the fruit.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give everything a gentle toss. The colors should pop, and the scent will be fresh and inviting. Do this lightly to avoid smashing the berries or mozzarella, which can turn your salad into a muddled mess.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for about an hour before serving. This gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and become more vibrant. But try not to let it sit too long as the fruit can release juices that might water down the dressing.
- Just before serving, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed, maybe add a bit more honey or a pinch of salt. If it seems bland after chilling, it might need a little boost. Fresh flavors should really shine through, so do not be shy to tweak it!
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If orzo becomes mushy, sticking to package directions is key; check for doneness a minute before the recommended time.
When the dressing thickens after chilling, whisk in one tablespoon of olive oil or lemon juice for a smoother consistency.
If the salad tastes bland after sitting, adjusting seasoning with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of honey can make a big difference.
For maximum freshness, refrigerating the salad for at least one hour before serving helps meld the flavors beautifully.
When in season, swapping in raspberries, peaches, or nectarines adds a delightful twist to the fruit selection in the salad.