Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of summer’s best flavors, combining al dente pasta with fresh mozzarella, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil in a creamy dressing. This dish dazzles not only with its colorful presentation but also with its refreshing taste, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners. With just 15 minutes of prep time and an easy assembly process, it’s a fantastic option whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled, ensuring every bite is bursting with freshness. Elevate your summer gatherings with this simple yet impressive salad that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 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
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Slice cherry tomatoes and combine them with mozzarella balls and basil in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with the dressing and gently fold in the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg