Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that brings together the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with pasta. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish at your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare the salad: Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the pasta.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
