Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad

Ingredients in Caprese Pasta Salad:

1. Orzo pasta
2. Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
3. Fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed or mozzarella balls
4. Fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
5. Extra virgin olive oil
6. Balsamic vinegar (optional)
7. Salt and pepper to taste

How to cook orzo pasta:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the orzo pasta to the boiling water.
3. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
4. Once cooked, drain the orzo in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the orzo and toss to prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.

How to make Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil leaves.
2. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor if desired.
3. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors will meld together even more if allowed to sit for a while before serving.