Go Back
+ servings

Orzo Picnic Salad

The perfect party pasta salad. One of the best parts is that you will have extra vinaigrette leftover to use for salads during the week!
Course Appetizers, Salads, Sides
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad

  • 1 ½ cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 1 lb colorful cherry tomatoes
  • 1 rib of celery with leafy tops
  • ¼ cup packed mint leaves
  • ¼ cup packed basil leaves
  • 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls
  • ½ cup Ground Parmesan Cheese
  • coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper

Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1 tsp dijon mustard heaped
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¾ cup olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and add the pasta. Season with a pinch of salt and cook according to the package instructions. Drain in a colander, and spread out onto a large plate or tray. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place in the fridge to cool down.
  • Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. In an empty jam jar, add the mustard, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Screw the lid on tight, and give it a shake.
  • Slice your cherry tomatoes in half or quarter them if they're large.
  • Thinly slice the celery, including the leafy tops if you have any. They will add great flavor to the salad.
  • For the mint, stack the leaves (like a pile of paper) and roll them up (like a sleeping bag). Then, slice across into ribbons. Do the same with the basil leaves.
  • Grab a large bowl and add your cooled orzo, tomatoes, celery, mint, basil and mozzarella balls.
  • Drizzle with some of the vinaigrette and toss well. Taste your salad, and adjust with extra seasoning or vinaigrette, if necessary.
  • Sprinkle with parmesan right before serving.

Notes

Courtesy of Emilie Raffa from The Clever Carrot.
Keyword orzo pasta salad, pasta, salads, summer
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!