Description
Prepare this fresh and simple Caprese Pasta Salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a bright homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It is perfect for picnics or as a light side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 16 ounces small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze for drizzling
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 cooks, prepare the vinaigrette. 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 balls.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in the chopped fresh basil.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this salad up to 4 hours ahead of time. If making it further in advance, keep the basil separate and add it just before serving to maintain its bright green color.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- For an extra layer of flavor, use high-quality balsamic vinegar.
- If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of olive oil slightly or add a pinch of dried oregano to the vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 25