Thanks to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for sponsoring today’s post! I was compensated by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for my time in developing this recipe and post. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create unique and exciting recipes.

Refreshing Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Side Dish

Elevate your next picnic, BBQ, or family gathering with this vibrant and incredibly delicious Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad. This recipe combines tender orzo pasta with a medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil, and refreshing mint. It’s all brought together with a light, zesty, and subtly sweet lemon-infused dressing that makes every bite a burst of summer flavor.

Why This Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad is Your Go-To for Summer

Just look at how visually appealing this Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad is! Doesn’t it instantly make you dream of warm sunny days, outdoor dining, and good company? While the weather might not always cooperate, the season for picnics, BBQs, and al fresco gatherings is undeniably on its way. I eagerly anticipate the warmer months each year, not just for the opportunity to grill in our backyard, but for the abundance of summer’s finest produce and fresh herbs. Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and that means it’s time to start planning those delicious, crowd-pleasing side dishes – and pasta salads are always at the top of my list!

The Allure of Pasta Salads for Any Occasion

I have a deep affection for pasta salads, and for many excellent reasons. They are exceptionally versatile and serve a crowd effortlessly, making them perfect for large gatherings. A great pasta salad can be easily doubled, customized to suit various tastes, and provides fantastic leftovers for lunches throughout the week. This particular Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad, with its bright colors and fresh ingredients, will undoubtedly be a stunning and delicious addition to any meal or BBQ. Its patriotic hues of red, white, and blue (from strawberries, mozzarella, and blueberries) even make it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations like Memorial Day or the 4th of July!

Orzo pasta salads are a personal favorite of mine. I frequently turn to recipes like my Greek Orzo Pasta Salad and Summer Orzo Pasta Salad, which are always a huge hit whenever I bring them to a get-together. Today’s recipe takes a delightful twist on the classic Caprese, incorporating the sweetness and tartness of mixed berries. We combine delicate orzo pasta with luscious blackberries, juicy strawberries, and plump blueberries, along with cubes of fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese and the aromatic freshness of basil and mint.

The Secret to the Perfect Dressing: Nielsen-Massey Extracts

The light, lemony dressing is what truly ties this salad together. I crafted it using high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey for natural sweetness, and a secret ingredient: Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract and Pure Lemon Extract. These extracts impart a sophisticated depth of flavor and a bright, aromatic lemon note that perfectly complements the berries and herbs. The vanilla adds an unexpected warmth and sweetness that makes the dressing truly special.

The Nielsen-Massey Difference: Quality You Can Taste

For those who may not be familiar with Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, they have a rich history of crafting premium vanilla products for over a century. Their dedication stems from a profound understanding that vanilla tastes best when its natural essence is allowed to truly shine. This commitment is evident in their meticulous production process: they use a proprietary cold extraction method, rather than heat extraction, to preserve the delicate, complex flavors of the vanilla bean.

Their passion for quality extends to every single bean. They meticulously examine all of their vanilla beans, bundle by bundle, bean by bean, to ensure each one meets their exceptionally high standards. Only the highest quality beans make the cut, a dedication that makes me incredibly happy as a cook and is truly discernible in the superior flavor of their vanillas and other extracts.

Nielsen-Massey also makes the very specific choice to source beans only from the finest growing regions globally: Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti. To celebrate the unique flavor profiles that develop in these different regions, they offer origin-specific vanilla extracts from Madagascar, Mexico, and Tahiti. Beyond their renowned extracts, you’ll find this same level of unwavering commitment and attention to detail in the production of their vanilla beans, sugars, powders, and pastes. Furthermore, all of their products are certified Gluten-Free, Allergen-Free, GMO-Free, and Kosher, and they also offer a line of Organic vanillas, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

To delve deeper into the fascinating world of vanilla and learn which types of vanilla are best suited for specific cooking and baking applications, I highly recommend visiting their comprehensive website. It’s a fantastic resource for any home cook looking to elevate their dishes.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla’s premium vanilla and lemon extracts are absolutely perfect for this light and subtly sweet salad dressing. However, their versatility extends far beyond salads! They work wonderfully in countless other recipes, from classic baked goods and decadent desserts to marinades for grilled meats and even savory sauces. Incorporating high-quality extracts can truly elevate the flavor profile of almost any dish.

I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely ready to fully embrace summer – with all its beautiful salads like this Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad, and the joy of grilling out in my backyard, savoring fresh, delicious food. This salad embodies everything I love about summer cooking: it’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and looks absolutely stunning on any table.

For more recipe inspiration and delicious ideas, be sure to follow Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

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