Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its bright colors and fresh flavors. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light weeknight dinner, this salad combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, each bite is an explosion of flavor that evokes memories of sun-soaked Italian markets. This easy-to-make salad not only looks stunning on the table but also brings people together to share laughter and stories. Experience the joy of cooking by making your own Caprese Pasta Salad today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- While the pasta is still warm, drizzle with half of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until well combined.
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg