Description
This caprese pasta salad is a quick and easy dish that showcases the delicious tomato mozzarella combo, tossed with al dente pasta and a light dressing. The recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces short pasta (rotini or fusilli), cooked al dente and cooled
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or basil chiffonade
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pesto drizzle for serving (optional)
- Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of pesto if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature, ideal for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 17
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 7