5 from 32 votes
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad features orecchiette pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cubes, marinated in a dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, capers, and fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley. Pine nuts can be added for a toasted crunch. The salad develops flavor as it chills, offering a blend of tangy, herbaceous, and creamy textures.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
564 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 564
% 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.