Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a light, fresh, and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in olive oil and balsamic. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick, refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the pasta briefly under cool water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or glaze).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic, Italian seasoning, or a spoonful of pesto.
- If the salad dries out after chilling, refresh with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic.
- Make it vegan by omitting or substituting the mozzarella with plant-based cheese.
- Best served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/caprese-pasta-salad/
