5 from 3 votes
Caprese Pasta Salad
This caprese pasta salad is such an easy to make side dish to add to any summer bbq or family gathering. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil tossed with tender pasta and a simple balsamic dressing.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
287 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Salad
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1 ½ cups grape tomatoes halved
- ½ cup basil chopped, fresh
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil water and cook the pasta, and cook according to package directions for al dente pasta (usually about 10 minutes).
- Drain pasta into a colander in the sink and rinse under cold water for 1-2 minutes to cool the pasta.
- Add pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- When ready to serve, add ⅓ - ½ cup of balsamic vinaigrette dressing and salt and pepper to taste and toss to coat well.
- Let it sit for the flavors to meld for at least 20-30 minutes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use a different type of short pasta like fusilli, large shells or penne pasta.
- Add ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts or sliced black olives or green olives for an extra twist.
- Add grilled chicken, grilled steak for shrimp for more of a complete meal.
- Swap the cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes
- Use white balsamic vinegar.
- Use any favorite store-bought balsamic vinaigrette.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add 2-3 more minced garlic cloves or use roasted garlic for a milder taste.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
287kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
43g
(14%)
Protein
13g
(26%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
(2%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Cholesterol
10mg
(3%)
Sodium
25mg
(1%)
Potassium
197mg
(4%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
312IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
4mg
(4%)
Calcium
119mg
(12%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 287
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 287kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 25mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 197mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 312IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.