Description
Make this fresh and easy Caprese Pasta Salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a simple balsamic dressing. It is perfect for picnics or quick summer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved or quartered
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella pieces.
- Pour the balsamic dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For make-ahead preparation, prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Combine everything except the basil one hour before serving. Add the basil just before you serve the salad.
- If you cannot find small mozzarella balls, cut a block of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes.
- You can add a pinch of dried oregano to the dressing for extra Italian flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 30