Description
This refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad is a perfect summer recipe featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, and quick dinners, this pasta salad is bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. A crowd-pleasing side or main dish that’s easy, vegetarian, and delicious.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool slightly.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the mixture and gently toss until well combined.
5. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Toss once more before plating.
Notes
Caprese Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and gets even more flavorful after chilling.
Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for a stunning visual effect.
Tearing basil by hand instead of chopping preserves its aroma and prevents bruising.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg