Peach Caprese Orzo Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Published Jul 11, 2026
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When summer peaches are at their peak, we look for simple recipes that let their natural sweetness shine. This Peach Caprese Orzo Salad with Crispy Prosciutto does exactly that. Juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and crispy prosciutto come together in a beautiful salad that’s perfect for backyard gatherings, brunches, picnics, and light summer dinners.
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Even better, this recipe uses tender, gluten-free Mountain High Organics orzo, which creates the perfect base for soaking up every bit of the bright lemon vinaigrette while keeping this dish completely gluten-free.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a fresh seasonal meal, this colorful salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Caprese Orzo Salad
There are so many reasons this salad deserves a spot on your summer menu:
- It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with fresh seasonal ingredients.
- The combination of sweet peaches and savory crispy prosciutto creates an irresistible sweet-and-salty balance.
- It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.
- The vibrant colors make it stunning for summer entertaining and food photography.
- It can be served as a side dish or transformed into a satisfying main course.
The addition of crispy prosciutto adds texture and elevates this classic Caprese-inspired salad into something truly special.
What You’ll Need
To make this summer orzo salad, you’ll need:
- Mountain High Organics gluten-free orzo
- Fresh ripe peaches
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
- Thinly sliced prosciutto
- Fresh basil
- Red onion
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Simple, high-quality ingredients allow every flavor to shine. Fresh, ripe peaches are especially important since they provide the star flavor in this dish.
Tips for the Best Peach Caprese Salad
Use Perfectly Ripe Peaches
Choose peaches that yield slightly when gently pressed. Overripe peaches can become mushy, while underripe peaches won’t provide enough sweetness.
Cool the Pasta Before Assembling
Allow the cooked orzo to cool before adding the remaining ingredients. This helps preserve the freshness of the mozzarella and basil while keeping the salad light and vibrant.
Add the Prosciutto Just Before Serving
Crispy prosciutto is one of the highlights of this dish. For maximum crunch, reserve some to sprinkle on top immediately before serving.
Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Simply omit the prosciutto for a delicious vegetarian Caprese orzo salad.
Add Extra Protein
Grilled chicken or grilled shrimp pair wonderfully with the peach and basil flavors.
Try Different Stone Fruits
Nectarines or plums make excellent substitutes when peaches aren’t in season.
Add Greens
Arugula or baby spinach can add extra freshness and turn this salad into a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Peach Caprese Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add any reserved crispy prosciutto immediately before serving.
If making ahead for a gathering, prepare the salad several hours in advance and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prepare the salad several hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Add the crispy prosciutto and garnishes just before serving for the best texture.
Yellow peaches are ideal because they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. White peaches also work beautifully.
While this salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, it is also delicious slightly warm shortly after preparation.
Yes. When prepared with Mountain High Organics gluten-free orzo, this recipe is completely gluten-free.
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, burgers, or other summer barbecue favorites. It also shines as part of a brunch or picnic spread.
Expert Tips for Success
As gluten-free recipe developers, we have found that the key to exceptional pasta salads is balancing textures. In this recipe, tender gluten-free orzo, juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, fresh herbs, and crunchy prosciutto create layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Using fresh, seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients ensures the best results every time.
More Gluten-Free Summer Recipes You’ll Love
Low Carb Jalapeño Popper Burgers
Everything “Bagel” Cucumber Rounds with Smoked Salmon
Pineapple Aji Amarillo Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Peach Caprese Orzo Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
Ingredients
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- 12 ounces Mountain High Organics gluten-free orzo
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 3 medium ripe peaches, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnishes:
- 1 Peach cut into wedges
- Fresh basil leaves
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Transfer to a large serving bowl and let cool.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the prosciutto slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until crisp. The prosciutto will continue to crisp slightly as it cools. Transfer the prosciutto to a wire rack or plate and let cool completely. Break into large pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the peaches, mozzarella pearls, basil, and red onion to the cooled orzo. Add about two-thirds of the crispy prosciutto and gently toss.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving platter or large shallow bowl.
- Arrange additional peach wedges on top. Scatter the remaining crispy prosciutto, fresh basil leaves, and a few mozzarella pearls over the salad. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
