Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the essence of summer. With its delightful combination of small pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this salad makes an excellent addition to any gathering, from casual picnics to festive barbecues. The creamy dressing adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the freshness of the ingredients. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but also versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side. Perfect for meal prep, it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it an ideal choice for summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (like fusilli 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. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and combine them with sliced basil in a mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Add the cooled pasta to the tomato-basil mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg