Trader Joe’s Easy Orzo Salad

As a mom of two young kids, my goal for dinner is simple: keep it easy, tasty, and quick. Between juggling school drop-offs, after-school activities, and the chaos that comes with having little ones, I don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I absolutely love my go-to recipe: the Trader Joe’s Easy Orzo Salad.

This salad is a lifesaver. Not only is it super easy to throw together, but it’s also very tasty. My kids pretty much eat anything, but this one is a favorite for them because of the bite-sized pasta and mozzarella balls. And the fresh basil gives it a pop of freshness that even the grown-ups in the house appreciate.

Trader Joe’s Easy Orzo Salad

Here’s all you need, everything can be found at Trader Joe’s:

• Orzo 
• Trader Joe’s Bruschetta Sauce
• Mozzarella Balls
• Fresh Basil

I usually start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions. While that’s boiling away, I prep the rest of the ingredients. Which really just means opening the Bruschetta Sauce and Mozzarella Balls. Seriously, this recipe is that easy!

Once the orzo is done, I drain it and let it cool for a bit. Then, I stir in about half a container of the Bruschetta Sauce. This stuff is like a secret weapon for quick dinners. It has tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, giving the orzo all the flavor it needs without me having to chop or sauté a single thing. I toss in the mozzarella balls next, and if I’m feeling fancy, I might cut them in half for smaller bites, but the mini ones are just the right size for my kids to enjoy.

Finally, I tear up some fresh basil and mix it in. It’s that simple. If I have a few extra minutes, I’ll stick the salad in the fridge to let the flavors meld together, but if dinner needs to happen *now*, it’s just as good served immediately.

This Orzo Salad has become a staple in our house because it’s delicious, healthy, and something the whole family can agree on. Plus, on busy nights, I can make it in under 15 minutes—mom win!

 

Looking for more recipes?  Check out all my recipes here.