Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. With the classic combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is both simple to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Toss with dressing: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Chill and serve: Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving or serve at room temperature.
Notes
- For added flavor, drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving.
- You can substitute chopped fresh mozzarella if you don’t have mozzarella balls.
- This salad is best enjoyed the same day but will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
