Caprese Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
Caprese Pasta Salad blends cooked orecchiette pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and cubes of fresh mozzarella or bocconcini cheese. The components are marinated in a dressing composed of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped capers, and a fresh herb mix including basil, chives, and parsley. This combination infuses the salad with bright, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
Garlic and capers provide savory depth, while the herbs lend freshness. After assembling, the salad can be chilled for one to two days to allow the flavors to meld. Pine nuts add a nicely toasted texture when included.
This pasta salad works well served cold or at room temperature, either as a side dish or a light main course. Drizzling balsamic glaze before serving can enhance the acidity and sweetness balance.
Ingredients
DRESSING/MARINADE
- 2/3 cup olive oil extra virgin is best
- 4 - 5 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp capers drained and roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/3 cup basil chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup chives chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
PASTA SALAD
- 2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese bocconcini or fresh mozzarella cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 12 oz dried orecchiette pasta or other short cut pasta
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts lightly toasted, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add dressing ingredients and whisk until well combined. Reserve 2 Tbsp of dressing, place in an airtight container and set aside.
- Add cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to mixing bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Let sit and marinate approximately 30 minutes.
- While the cheese and tomatoes are marinating, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. Let cool slightly.
- Add pasta to mixing bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to serving container, cover and refrigerate 1-2 days. Before serving, toss pasta salad with reserved dressing and serve.
Notes
- The salad can be enjoyed warm or cold depending on preference.
- Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving enhances flavor complexity.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 564 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 564kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 311mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 284mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 595IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 16.3mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 161mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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