Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe, where the classic Caprese salad meets comforting pasta. This delightful dish is a symphony of fresh ingredients, featuring al dente pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil—all tossed in a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an excellent make-ahead option. Enjoy it as a side dish or elevate it to a main course by adding your favorite proteins. With its refreshing taste and colorful presentation, this Caprese Pasta Salad will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 – 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor variations, consider incorporating olives or bell peppers. Letting the salad marinate for about 30 minutes enhances the flavor profile. To serve as a light meal, pair with grilled chicken or crusty bread.