Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with pasta. This simple, delicious salad features juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, and the flavors meld beautifully when chilled!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne recommended)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Toss and Chill
- Gently toss the salad using salad tongs to ensure the dressing evenly coats all ingredients. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Optionally, drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can make this salad ahead of time; it holds up well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just be sure to stir well before serving.
- Feel free to customize the pasta by adding additional vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://easyfoodflash.com/caprese-pasta-salad/