Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors, combining the beloved Caprese salad with the convenience of pasta. This refreshing dish features juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect blend of summer’s bounty, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for picnics, potlucks, and light lunches.
Ingredients
- 7 ounce pasta
- 2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 7 ounce fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it completely.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and chopped fresh basil leaves.
3. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the pasta mixture, and then sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the flavorful vinaigrette.
4. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the Caprese Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill to the perfect temperature. When ready to enjoy, simply serve the Caprese Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Caprese Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that shines in a variety of settings. It’s a natural fit for summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Additionally, this salad can be enjoyed as a light and satisfying lunch or a delightful side dish to accompany grilled meats or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg