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Easy Meal Prep Caprese Orzo Salad Jars for Healthy School Lunches

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A fresh and vibrant Caprese-inspired orzo salad layered in mason jars, perfect for quick, healthy, and mess-free school lunches. This recipe balances tangy balsamic, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil with al dente orzo for a satisfying meal prep solution.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170 g) dry orzo pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1½ cups (about 250 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (about 150 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls), sliced or torn
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup (170 g) orzo and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Let it drain completely to avoid sogginess.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Halve 1½ cups cherry tomatoes and roughly chop ½ cup fresh basil leaves. Drain and slice or tear 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces if large.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked orzo with the dressing until evenly coated. Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, gently folding everything together to avoid crushing the ingredients.
  5. Spoon the salad mixture into 4 wide-mouth mason jars (about 16 oz/475 ml each). Pack gently but don’t compress. Seal tightly with lids.
  6. Refrigerate the jars for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing flavors to meld. These keep beautifully for up to 4 days.
  7. Before eating, shake the jar gently to redistribute dressing or give the salad a quick stir if transferred to a bowl.

Notes

Cook orzo al dente and rinse with cold water immediately after draining to prevent mushiness. Fold salad ingredients gently to avoid crushing mozzarella and tomatoes. Use good-quality balsamic vinegar for richer flavor. Add fresh basil last and store jars without lids briefly to reduce condensation before sealing. Salad keeps well refrigerated up to 4 days; flavors improve after a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, orzo salad, meal prep, school lunch, healthy lunch, mason jar salad, easy recipe, vegetarian, quick lunch

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-meal-prep-caprese-orzo-salad-jars-for-healthy-school-lunches/