Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish that combines the fresh flavors of classic Caprese ingredients with tender pasta. This vibrant salad is perfect for any occasion, from picnics to garden parties or simple family dinners. With its luscious mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also keeps preparation time to a minimum—just 15 minutes! Serve it chilled for an impressive side dish or light main course that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this creamy pasta salad is a delightful addition to your summer menu.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg