Orzo (rice-shaped pasta) works nicely with tomato, mozzarella and basil, all in a tasty balsamic dressing.
Author: My Delicious Blog
Recipe type: Pasta Salad
Cuisine: Pasta
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Salad:
2 c. uncooked Orzo (about 4 cups cooked)
1 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz. bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), halved
½ c. chiffonade of fresh basil (i.e., sliced thinly)
¼ c. toasted pine nuts (optional)
Balsamic Dressing:
¼ c. balsamic vinegar
1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ c. olive oil (or a mix of olive & vegetable)
Instructions
Follow package directions to cook orzo.
While orzo cooks, prep tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and pine nuts. Set aside.
Combine dressing ingredients (except olive oil) in small bowl; slowly whisk in oil to emulsify/thicken. OR, toss all ingredients into a lidded jar and shake vigorously. Set aside until ready to use.
When orzo is cooked through (but not mushy), pour into a colander and lightly rinse with water. Cool about 10 minutes.
When cool, transfer orzo to a large mixing bowl. Add a few tablespoons of dressing, along with tomatoes & mozzarella, and mix. Add a tablespoon at a time of the dressing, to taste (*). Allow to sit 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Mix, taste for seasoning and adjust according to preference. Add basil and mix well.
If using pine nuts, add just before serving.
(*) you'll likely have leftover dressing - simply refrigerate what you don't use.
Recipe by My Delicious Blog at https://www.mydeliciousblog.com/orzo-salad-with-tomatoes-basil-balsamic/