5.0 from 9 votes
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a light, beautiful Italian inspired pasta salad that's perfect for summer with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 9
Calories: 299 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Mozzarella pearls
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 4 cloves garlic peeled (up to 8 cloves)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add to a large serving bowl and toss with a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella pearls in half and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Add the chopped basil and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic cloves. Stir to prevent burning and cook for 3 minutes to soften. Pour the pan contents into a food processor and purée.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the pureed garlic, the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and all of the dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving, or serve immediately if desired. I like to sprinkle a little more chopped basil on top right before serving.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
299kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
9g
(18%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Cholesterol
4mg
(1%)
Sodium
205mg
(9%)
Potassium
171mg
(5%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
165IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
63mg
(6%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 9Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 299
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 299kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 205mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 171mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 165IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.