Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad: A Zesty Summer Delight (Print Version)

Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad: Your new favorite summer side! This bright, easy recipe combines garden flavors for a perfect meal or potluck dish.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ For the Orzo Base

01 - 1 cup orzo pasta
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ The Bruschetta Stars

03 - 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls), halved or quartered
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your biggest pot, fill it with water, and add a generous pinch of salt – don't forget this step, it's crucial for flavor! Bring it to a rolling boil, then toss in your orzo. Cook it according to package directions, but aim for al dente. This is where I always remind myself not to overcook it; mushy orzo is a real bummer. Once it's done, drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This prevents clumping and keeps our Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad, well, a salad!
02 - While the orzo is doing its thing, grab those beautiful tomatoes. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size. Finely mince your garlic – remember my vampire-repellent story? Don't go overboard! Roughly chop your fresh basil. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Give it a good stir. This mix smells absolutely divine, like a summer garden exploded in your kitchen. This is where the magic really starts for our Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a good pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Taste it! Does it need more tang? More salt? Adjust it to your liking. This dressing is what ties all the fresh flavors together. I often get a little heavy-handed with the lemon, but it always works out, honestly!
04 - Once your orzo is cool and drained, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared tomato-basil-garlic mixture. Gently fold in the fresh mozzarella balls. Pour the vinaigrette over everything. Give it a gentle toss to make sure every little bit of orzo and every tomato gets coated in that delicious dressing. This is where you can already see the vibrant colors of your Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad coming together.
05 - This is a crucial step for the best Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad experience. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This chilling time allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. I know it's hard to wait, especially when it smells so good, but trust me, it’s worth it. I've definitely tried to sneak a spoonful too early, and it just doesn't hit the same.
06 - Before serving, give the Fresh Bruschetta Orzo Pasta Salad another gentle toss. If you're using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the top now. Sometimes I add a few extra fresh basil leaves for garnish, just because it looks so pretty. Serve it slightly chilled or at room temperature. It should look bright, fresh, and inviting, with all those gorgeous colors. Take a deep breath, smell that basil, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

# Notes:

01 - Always rinse cooked orzo with cold water to prevent clumping and keep it al dente.
02 - This salad tastes even better the next day, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option.
03 - Try feta cheese if you don't have fresh mozzarella – it gives a lovely tangy kick!
04 - Serve with a crusty baguette to soak up all those delicious juices.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - large mixing bowl
05 - whisk
06 - airtight container (for storage)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 Calories
Total Fat: 18g Fat
Total Carbohydrate: 38g Carbs
Protein: 10g Protein

Back