Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant summer dish combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil with perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light refreshing meal, it brings the colors and flavors of summer together in one delightful bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice), cooled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or glaze
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, then drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes, drain the mozzarella balls, and roughly chop the basil leaves to release their flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly without breaking the cheese or bruising the basil.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with an optional garnish of freshly cracked black pepper and whole basil leaves.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Do not overcook the pasta to keep a firm texture after cooling.
- Dress the salad just before serving if you prefer less sogginess.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor infusion from the dressing.
- Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg