Description
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful summer side dish featuring tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. This quick recipe is perfect for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or light lunches and tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Balsamic glaze
- Extra fresh basil
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool completely.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped basil, and Parmesan cheese if using.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
For the freshest flavor, add the basil just before serving. This salad can be prepared several hours ahead, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for picnics and summer gatherings. Add grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy caprese pasta salad, caprese pasta salad recipe, tomato mozzarella pasta salad, italian pasta salad, picnic pasta salad, summer side dish