Reviewed: May 1, 2013

I made this recipe as directed initially but like others I felt like it need something extra. I added roasted red pepper dressing and it was delicious, certainly a nice change from the traditional pasta salad. Next time I would use a little more fresh basil.

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Reviewer:

pinklady

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Nov. 17, 2012

I liked the flavors of this dish as written. I made it again and added sliced black olives and chopped turkey pepperoni. YUM!

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Reviewer:

Karate Girl

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Living In: Renton, Washington, USA

Reviewed: Sep. 3, 2012

Like others, I felt this needed some beefing up to make it a tastier salad. I doubled the basil and red pepper, and added about 2 Tbsp. of balsamic vinaigrette. Also, the next time I make it, I will probably increase the fresh mozz. to 2 cups. It seemed to get lost in all the orzo. Overall, a good side dish and easy to make ahead of time!

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Reviewer:

Gbergan

Reviewed: Sep. 2, 2012

In place of fresh tomatoes I used sun-dried tomatoes and the oil from their jar. It made a very light and colorful side dish to take to a Labor Day BBQ. I appreciated how truly quick and easy it was!

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Reviewer:

CookinginCA

Cooking Level: Beginning

Reviewed: Aug. 7, 2011

Per other reviewers, I added 2 T of balsamic dressing to the salad in hopes of adding flavor. This salad was okay. Nothing special. It was a nice way to use basil from my garden but mozzarella is expensive and I'm not sure I'd make it again.

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Reviewer:

audrey717

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Apr. 11, 2011

I substituted the basil for mint and added a splash of basalmic vinegar. It made a great summer potluck salad.

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Reviewer:

jkinoshita

Reviewed: Mar. 31, 2011

With a few changes this was delicious! I added chives (or just the top of the green onion) and about 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette. I also took the advice of rubbing the basil leaves with olive oil before chopping them so they would retain color better. A little salt helps as well.

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Reviewer:

jasonswifey09

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Living In: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Reviewed: Mar. 30, 2011

love this,, I sometimes add some fresh lemon or lime juice for a little more zing..

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Reviewer:

wikkedgood

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Mar. 8, 2011

Pretty good. Tastes very refreshing and fresh. Needs a little more spice or just a little more something. The amount of basil doesn't complement overcome the plainness/blandness of the orza. Though, I didn't use the crushed red pepper flakes (which might as well solve this problem) because I can't stand anything spicy!

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Reviewer:

demingsc

Reviewed: Feb. 4, 2011

While it was a good idea, I had to add tons of balsamic dressing, italian dressing, garlic powder and seasoned salt to keep this dish from being bland. Next time I will make a pesto to replace the plain basil. Good, but needs a lot of adjustments.

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