Caprese Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Chill Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
451 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad, Appetizer
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Cuisine
American
Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
Caprese Pasta Salad brings together al dente pasta with sweet grape tomatoes and mild mozzarella pearls or cubes, complemented by fresh basil. The salad is finished with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, giving it a tangy and herby character.
The pasta is boiled and cooled before combining with the other ingredients, which helps maintain firm texture and prevents sogginess. Properly cut tomatoes and basil ensure even distribution of flavors and vibrant color throughout the salad.
This salad is best served cold and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to blend in the fridge. Its freshness and simplicity make it a suitable accompaniment for various meals during warm weather or as a picnic dish.
Use small, textured pasta to better hold the oregano balsamic dressing.Under-cook pasta slightly to avoid sogginess after chilling.Cut larger tomatoes into smaller pieces for bite-sized consistency.Allow the salad to chill so the flavors meld before serving.
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta 225g
- 12 oz grape tomatoes
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese 170g pearls/balls (or cut mozzarella into cubes
- ¼ cup basil fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For the oregano balsamic dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it. Set aside.
- For the vinaigrette, simply whisk all ingredients together.
- Cut the tomatoes in half, and finely slice the basil leaves.
- Add the pasta to a large bowl, along with the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, salt and pepper.
- Pour in a little of the dressing and toss it all gently. If desired, add more dressing.
- Store in the fridge and serve cold.
Notes
- Choose small, textured pasta varieties to better absorb the dressing.
- Cook pasta al dente or slightly undercooked to prevent sogginess after chilling in the fridge.
- If using larger tomatoes, quarter them to keep salad evenly sized.
- Chill the salad before serving so flavors combine fully.
- Mozzarella pearls can be used as is without cutting.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 451 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 451kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 276mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 376mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1084IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 247mg | 25% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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