Description
A vibrant and refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or a light side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini or farfalle)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or balls, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- You can substitute fresh basil with a teaspoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg