Caprese Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy)
User Reviews
4.9
Caprese Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy)
Description
The Caprese Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy) features small pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, or rotini that hold dressing well. Cooked pasta is cooled to room temperature and mixed with fresh cherry tomatoes cut in halves and bite-sized mozzarella chunks. Fresh basil is added to contribute herbal brightness.
The dressing is a simple vinaigrette made by whisking together olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoned with salt. When tossed with the pasta, cheese, tomatoes, and basil, it combines creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. The salad can be enjoyed immediately for a crisp texture, or allowed to marinate for a few hours for flavors to meld and soften the pasta slightly.
This salad is suitable as a chilled side dish, picnic food, or light lunch, especially in warmer weather when fresh ingredients enhance the experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta shells, fusilli or rotini
- 1 lb cherry tomato
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp basil chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Cut fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Chop basil. Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar and olive oil together. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and season it to taste with salt.
- Toss the pasta salad until the dressing is well-combined. Serve fresh or after the salad has marinated in the fridge for a couple of hours.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 324kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 872mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 253mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 916IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 395mg | 40% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
