Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad: Bright Summer Flavors (Print Version)

Brighten your table with this fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad! Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender orzo come together for a light, flavorful meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Orzo & Tomatoes

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
03 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered

→ Fresh Flavors

04 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

→ Dressing Essentials

07 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality!)
08 - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
09 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a big pot of water boiling. Add a generous pinch of salt – seriously, don't skimp, this is where the orzo gets its flavor! Cook the orzo according to package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it's done, drain it well and immediately rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is where I always remind myself not to make my first mistake again! Let it cool completely while you prep everything else. You want it chilly, not even a little bit warm, for the best Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad.
02 - While the orzo is chilling out, grab your tomatoes and halve them. If they're particularly big, quarter them. Then, finely mince your garlic. Dice your red onion as small as you can – we want little bursts of flavor, not huge chunks. Tear or roughly chop your fresh basil leaves. The smell of fresh basil and tomatoes together? Pure summer magic! This step always makes my kitchen smell incredible, and I just know this Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad is going to be good.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together your good quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add your minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Give it a taste. Does it need more tang? More salt? Adjust it to your liking! This simple dressing is what brings all the amazing flavors of the Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad together, so don't rush it.
04 - Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your cooled orzo, halved tomatoes, diced red onion, and the fresh mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over everything. This is where I often make a mess, trying to get every last drop of that delicious dressing in there! Gently toss it all together until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle with those mozzarella balls, we want them intact!
05 - Once everything is coated, gently fold in your fresh basil. I like to do this last so the basil stays vibrant and doesn't get bruised. The green against the red and white? So pretty! This step always makes me smile, seeing all those beautiful colors come together for the Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad. It’s such a simple addition but so impactful.
06 - For the best flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour or two. This lets all those amazing flavors meld and deepen. When you're ready to serve, give it another gentle toss. It should look vibrant, smell incredible, and taste like a sunny day. Sometimes, I sneak a little spoonful right out of the fridge before serving – it's just that good!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the orzo, seriously. It goes from al dente to mush so fast, learned that the hard way.
02 - This Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
03 - No fresh mozzarella? Feta crumbles work surprisingly well for a tangy twist in your Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad.
04 - Serve this Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad chilled, maybe with a sprinkle of extra basil right before serving for that vibrant pop.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - colander
03 - large mixing bowl
04 - small whisk
05 - cutting board
06 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 10g

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