Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures in a delightful, creamy blend. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners, this salad features fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese tossed in a luscious olive oil dressing. Not only is it visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare in just 23 minutes. Enjoy it as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish that will impress your guests. This recipe is versatile enough to customize based on your preferences while remaining a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Combine the cooled pasta with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg