Caprese Pasta Salad
This flavor packed cold Caprese Pasta Salad brings the best that summer produce has to offer with pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil together in a tasty garlic balsamic vinaigrette.
Servings 10 servings
Calories 426kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb. short pasta like rotini penne, or cavatappi
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 clove garlic crushed
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls
- 4 cups grape or cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- ½ cup basil cut in ribbons
- Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions and drain. Rinse with a little cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Add the pasta to a large serving bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In a small mason jar with a tight fitting lid add the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic. Shake well to combine.
- Add the mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, and basil to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
- If desired sprinkle with a little red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Any short pasta will work with this recipe including penne, farfalle, cavatappi, gemelli, or rotini pasta.
- Cook the pasta slightly al dente which is just a little firm when bitten. Drain well and toss with a little bit of olive oil.
- For ease in mixing the caprese salad dressing add the contents to a small mason jar. Thread the lid on tight and shake to coat.
- You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Add a splash of white balsamic vinegar right before serving and toss again. Cover and store this pasta salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 1mg