Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the classic Caprese flavors with pasta, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added crunch, toss in toasted pine nuts or sliced cucumbers.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and basil for the best flavor.
- This salad is great for picnics and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook Assembly, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
