Reviewed: Jul. 6, 2010

I made this salad on the 4th of July for a family picnic. It got mixed reviews-some loved it, some said okay and some just didn't like it. "Too spicy, not spicy enough, too bland, very tasty, liked the orzo, change the noodle..." You get the drift. I liked it personally so when I make it again, I will try it with different noodles, use McCormick Italian spices instead of red pepper as someone suggested and take it from there. What I loved was the fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato. Based on the comments of family and friends, I probably should give this 3 stars as an average but since I am the one rating this and I happened to like it, I am giving it 4 stars!

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3 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

hobmania

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Attica, New York, USA

Living In: Batavia, New York, USA

Reviewed: Jul. 4, 2010

Has great potential, but the red pepper was just too much! If I make it again, I'll leave out the red pepper, and maybe add italian dressing like other reviews mentioned.

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Reviewer:

Lisa

Reviewed: Jul. 4, 2010

Very fresh and a great way to use the basil I grow every summer. Only a 4 b/c it was just a little bland but the freshness made up for that. Will make again.

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Reviewer:

C.D. Haegele

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Living In: Grove City, Ohio, USA

Reviewed: Jun. 29, 2010

I thought it was good but like all the other reviewers, it needed something. I added some lemon juice and garlic powder. It still tasted a bit bland. I would make it again though. Maybe a little italian salad dressing would do the trick.

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Reviewer:

Leslie

Reviewed: Jun. 23, 2010

Awesome and so easy! Since other reviewers said this was too bland, I just mixed the orzo, mozzarella, vine ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil with a little Italian dressing. Worked like a charm. Didn't need the red pepper, olive oil, or anything else, but make sure the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are fresh!! Otherwise, there isn't any point of making this type of dish. Very good salad!

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57 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

candle2003

Reviewed: Jun. 17, 2010

I did not have red pepper flakes, so I added McCormick's Italian Herb Grinders seasoning on my serving. I feel this gave the recipe the added flavor others say this recipe is missing.

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8 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

SBURKINS

Cooking Level: Expert

Reviewed: Jun. 16, 2010

This was wonderful! Love the orzo.

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Reviewer:

W Hamlett

Reviewed: Jun. 15, 2010

This was a wonderful light salad. I made it as is but added lemon juice, extra salt and pepper to taste. I used the full tsp of crushed red pepper, it was warm but not overly spicey. I grow my own basil and used a variety of basil "flavors".

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Reviewer:

Snap

Reviewed: Jun. 14, 2010

Very good! I overcooked the pasta but it was still yummy. I also added a bit of parmesan cheese over the top.

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1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Rita M.B.

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Schaumburg, Illinois, USA

Reviewed: Jun. 11, 2010

We all loved this salad. It is my new favorite and I know it will be used over and over this summer when tomatoes show up in the garden. Very fresh tasting, extremely fast, and a great side to serve with so many main dishes. Very happy to have found this one. Thanks for sharing!

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4 users found this review helpful