Description
Caprese Pasta Salad combines fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, making it a delightful dish perfect for quick meals and gatherings. This easy recipe offers a burst of flavor and is ideal for anyone seeking homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 16 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
- 2 pints grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- ½ cups fresh basil julienned
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al-dente. Drain and rinse with cold water; let it cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella pearls and julienned basil to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a small mason jar or measuring cup, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake to combine.
- Once the pasta is cooled and drained, add it to the large bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Adjust with more dressing to taste.
- Save the remaining dressing for later, as the pasta absorbs the dressing over time.
- Serve the salad fresh.
Notes
For added flavor, try using heirloom tomatoes in this recipe.
You can prepare the dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.
This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg