Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish made with pasta, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s perfect for summer picnics, lunches, or as a side at barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of pasta (shells, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz (about 1 1/2 cups) of fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn or left whole
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove of garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Prepare the other ingredients: halve the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and wash the basil leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic (if using) until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the pasta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture.
- Fresh ingredients are key for the best flavor.
- Allow the salad to sit for a while before serving to enhance the flavor.
- Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed (e.g., use gluten-free pasta or substitute mozzarella with burrata for extra creaminess).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Italian pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, tomato basil pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad