Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad offers irresistible flavors with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s perfect for quick dinners and healthy meals, making it a delicious option for any occasion.
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 a boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al-dente. Drain it, rinse with cold water, and let it cool.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella pearls and basil to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a small mason jar or measuring cup, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake until mixed well.
- Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the large bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Pour in half of the dressing and toss to coat. Taste the salad and add more dressing if desired.
- Reserve the remaining dressing to refresh the pasta salad later, as the pasta may absorb the dressing over time.
- Serve the salad fresh.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add chopped avocado or grilled chicken.
Feel free to adjust the amount of ingredients based on your preference.
This salad can be made ahead of time; just add fresh dressing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 444mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg