Caprese Orzo Salad

Summer is my favorite season to make food/meals.
I love all the fresh ingredients that are available in the Summertime!
I also love that during the Summer there are tons of BBQ's, pool parties & get togethers.
I have a SUPER simple & delicious summer salad to share with you that is PERFECT for the 4th of July!
It is actually what I am bringing to our friends 4th of July Party this weekend.
I have been making this salad a lot lately for a few reasons:
1) It's so delicious
2) It's super easy to make
3) It makes a ton...perfect for parties!

I mentioned this salad on my weekly meal plan on my What's Up Wednesday post and I got a few emails about the recipe. I don't normally blog on Friday evenings, but this salad is so perfect for the 4th of July & because I got several comments & emails about it, I knew I had to blog it sooner rather than later!
We have been so busy during the day having summer fun, that I barely open my laptop during the day, so blogging on a Friday night it is :)

Without further ado....

 Here is what you need:

- 1 box of Orzo
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1 container of fresh mozzarella balls (I get the pearls because they are a little bit smaller than the balls)
- Fresh Basil
For the dressing:
- 3/4 cup Olive Oil
-  1/4 Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
-1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
-Dash of Pepper

OR you can use Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing if you have that on hand! I like making my own dressing, but sometimes when I am in a rush, store bought dressing it is!  :)

Cook entire box of Orzo according to package & drain:

While the orzo is cooking, cut your cherry tomatoes in half:

Drain the container of fresh mozzarella balls/pearls:

Take your fresh basil & roll the bunch into a ball & then slice:

This is a super easy way to chop up your basil:

After your orzo is cooked & drained, add to a bowl and then add the mozzarella & tomatoes:

I always make this with my blue bowl...it looks so patriotic...perfect for the 4th of July :)

Add the basil & then stir together:

I whisk together the ingredients for the balsamic dressing & then pour it on the salad:

Mix in the dressing:

You could always use a store bought balsamic vinaigrette, but I prefer making the dressing...it just tastes fresher & better.

Cover & Chill the salad in the fridge for AT LEAST  3 hours....you want this salad to be cold!

You can make this salad the night before or the morning of.

It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled in.

I am addicted to this salad...it is so delicious!

I hope you enjoy this salad as much as we do!

Let me know if you make it :)

Have a safe & Happy 4th of July weekend!