Description
Bring a taste of summer to your table with Caprese Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal, a side dish, or a potluck favorite, it’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- ½ pound dried pasta (farfalle or any small pasta)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk or shake until fully emulsified and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and sliced basil.
- Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve or Chill:
- Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use the freshest tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil you can find.
- Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired