Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This delightful salad combines al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil, all coated in a tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this recipe takes just 23 minutes to prepare and serves as an easy yet impressive side or main dish. Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Enjoy this dish chilled or at room temperature for the best taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg