Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, combining fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil with perfectly cooked pasta. This vibrant dish bursts with flavor and is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. With just 10 minutes of preparation and simple ingredients, you can whip up a refreshing meal that everyone will love. Make it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy it as a light main dish or a complementary side—this versatile salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or 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
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small jar or bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with sliced grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg