Caprese Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
Caprese Pasta Salad starts with cooking small pasta shapes like bowties until al dente, then rinsing with cold water to stop cooking and remove starch. The dressing is made by mixing extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, which brings bright acidity and savory notes. Tossing hot pasta with the garlic-based dressing helps absorb the flavors before adding fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and mozzarella balls. Letting the salad rest briefly allows the ingredients to meld while maintaining fresh textures. The result is a flavorful pasta salad featuring the classic Caprese ingredients in a convenient, cold dish format. It serves well as a side or light main and can be adjusted with extra balsamic or seasoning before serving.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta or favorite small pasta, mini size
- 8 oz mozzarella balls or pearls
- 2 cups cherry tomato
- ¼-½ cup basil fresh, chopped or chiffonade
BALSAMIC CARPESE SALAD DRESSING
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 TBSP white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1-2 TBSP balsamic vinegar plus extra to taste
- 1 clove garlic (peeled, smashed, and minced)
- ½ tsp salt sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried oregano leaves
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with a 1-2 pinches of sea salt.
- While you wait for the water to boil, measure out all your ingredients, this salad comes together fast!
- Add the pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, approx. 8 minutes for mini bowties or follow package instructions for different shapes.
- Drain cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- To make the dressing, peel smash and mince fresh garlic. Add to a small bowl with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well then pour over pasta. Toss to coat.
- Halve, quarter, or chop tomatoes (any variety will work here) and add to the pasta along with basil and mozzarella balls.
- Mix well and allow salad to sit for 30 minutes (at room temperature or in fridge if preferred) for the flavors to meld. This is optional but I always try to set aside some time to marinate in the dressing. Taste and add any additional balsamic or seasoning desired. Enjoy!
- This salad can be made the day before for a party or gathering and will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to rest for at least 30 minutes to blend the dressing with the pasta and vegetables.
- Use fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella balls to maintain authenticity in taste.
- Adjust balsamic vinegar quantity to taste, adding more if a tangier dressing is preferred.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- Nutrition facts provided are estimates; adjust according to specific ingredient brands.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 355 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 355kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 230mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 206mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 298IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 154mg | 15% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
