Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with pasta, creating a colorful and flavorful side dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: extra balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Salad: Combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving if desired.
Notes
- This salad is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Add grilled chicken or white beans for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
