Elegant and the definition of comfort food, my Creamy Balsamic Orzo comes together in 30 minutes. It's perfect for any night of the week.

November 12, 2019 Updated May 13, 2022 Jump to Recipe
Elegant and the definition of comfort food, my Creamy Balsamic Orzo comes together in 30 minutes. It's perfect for any night of the week.
This dish is near perfect.
At least in my book.
It’s hard not to love a recipe that’s elegant, the definition of comfort food, and comes together in 30 minutes.
The comfort food quality of this meal comes in large part from the orzo.
Orzo is pasta. But it’s shaped like large grains of rice. When cooked, orzo gets exceptionally creamy. This natural creaminess is enhanced by the sauce you mix into the orzo.
In this recipe, the sauce is my Creamy Balsamic Dressing.
My Creamy Balsamic Dressing is inspired by a balsamic that California Pizza Kitchen used to serve. When CPK took it off the menu, I knew I had to create something similar at home.
My Creamy Balsamic Dressing is the result. It’s just as delicious over a bed of greens as it is in this orzo.
Tomatoes, chickpeas, and parsley round out this easy, flavorful dish.
Keep it vegan by stopping here. Or, add some fresh mozzarella on top of each serving.
The mozzarella gets slightly warm, but not enough to melt or become stringy. The dish stands alone without the mozzarella. But it’s an amazing textural component that adds even more flavor, if you’ve got it.
I recommend using the small mozzarella balls packed in olive oil, like these from Galbani. I cut them into quarters and lay them on top of each serving.
But you could also just dice up a block of mozzarella, about 2-4 ounces, depending on your preference.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an elegant weekend meal you’re looking for, this Creamy Balsamic Orzo fits the bill.
High quality olive oil is important in homemade dressings. Here’s my favorite, PJ KABOS, on Amazon [aff. link], straight from the olive groves of the Panagiotopoulos family in Greece.
You can also find PJ KABOS olive oil in my Amazon store here.
This Post Has 11 Comments
I’m not one for drowning my salad in salad dressing either. I usually just prefer just a simple balsamic and olive oil dressing too. But I love the sound of your creamy balsamic dressing. And this looks like a really delicious pasta dish. Great for a weeknight meal!
Thank you so much Neil!!!! Totally agree, simple salads are always the best, aren’t they? For sure, this is a great weeknight meal! Thank you so so much for your kind comment, hope you have a lovely weekend!
What a great looking salad. Shannon, I really like your site, it reminds me of the old TCM series “Dinner and a Movie” (I think that’s what it was called). Orzo is soo good in so many dishes, but in a salad like your Creamy Balsamic Orzo. I’m not familiar with California Pizza Kitchen, but that dressing looks wonderful.
Thank you so so much for your kind comment Ron! Such a compliment, you’ve made my day! Totally agree, orzo is so amazing and versatile. A great way to dress up pasta dishes!
HOW DID I MISS THE CPK COPYCAT DRESSING?!?!?! Sometimes I buy pints of it from CPK because I’m obsessed with it. I’m going to try this ASAP!!! Looks amazing!
Yessss!!! Isn’t the CPK balsamic dressing the BEST?! I am so picky about dressings, and this one is definitely my favorite. Always satisfies my CPK craving. 😋 Hope you enjoy it!
the perfect summer recipe A++!
Thanks Jaylene!
Brought this to a summer potluck. It was a hit!
I’m obsessed with the sauce! I put it on salad, too
That’s awesome, thanks for commenting Emily!