Caprese Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
536 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Italian
Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
The salad begins by cooking bow tie pasta until tender, then rinsing it with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Tossing with a small amount of olive oil keeps the pasta loose. Fresh mozzarella chunks and halved cherry tomatoes add creamy texture and sweetness. Chopped fresh basil contributes herby freshness and aroma.
The dressing, made from olive oil, garlic, and basil pesto, gently coats the ingredients, adding savory and fragrant notes. The salad is refrigerated for about 30 minutes to let the flavors integrate, making it serve well as a cold dish.
Variations are possible by changing the pasta shape or adjusting the amount of mozzarella or pesto to taste. If preferred, a balsamic vinaigrette can replace pesto for a different flavor profile. This salad works well as a side or light main course, with the balance of soft cheese, fresh vegetables, and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cup cherry tomato cut in halves
- 1 cup basil fresh
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto homemade or store bought
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta according to the packaging. Rinse with cold water and drizzle with a little olive oil. Stir well to prevent sticking. Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- Add the mozzarella and tomatoes to the pasta.
- Chop the basil leaves and add them to the pasta salad.
- Mix the ingredients gently using a spoon.
- Add the olive oil, garlic and pesto to the salad. Mix well.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
Notes
- You can substitute any short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni as available.
- Use homemade or store-bought pesto depending on preference.
- Adjust mozzarella quantity or substitute mozzarella pearls to change texture.
- For a stronger pesto flavor, add more pesto to the salad.
- If you prefer, omit pesto and use a balsamic vinaigrette made from balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add a bit more olive oil if the salad appears dry after mixing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 536 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 536kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 379mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 316mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1060IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 206mg | 21% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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