Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and pasta tossed in a light balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- White Balsamic Vinegar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: try not to swap this with another oil.
- Honey: I prefer honey and I do not recommend you use maple syrup.
- Dijon Mustard: or honey mustard
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Garlic Cloves: do not swap with garlic powder if possible.
- Pasta: I use Short Whole Wheat Pasta, like penne or farfalle
- Pint Cherry Tomatoes: grape tomatoes will be great too.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion
- Container Brined Mozzarella Balls (fresh mozzarella cheese)
- Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta remains firm and holds up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside to cool.
While the pasta cools, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. If using mozzarella pearls, keep them whole or cut them in half for better distribution. Chop the fresh basil leaves into thin strips to enhance the aroma and blend seamlessly into the salad.
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little balsamic glaze for extra depth. Shake or stir well until fully combined.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Salad dressing
For the best taste, let the salad sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more delicious.
Serve the Caprese Pasta Salad at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course.
This simple process creates a fresh, flavorful salad that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Next, let’s explore some pro tips and variations to customize this dish further.
Notes
This Caprese Pasta Salad is light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it as a quick side dish or turn it into a hearty meal with your favorite protein!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: No-Bake, Quick & Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, summer salad, Italian pasta salad