Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil with pasta in a balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and allow it to cool.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
- Swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Try a pesto dressing instead of balsamic vinaigrette for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg