Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
576 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing
Description
The Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing starts by cooking rotini pasta until tender, then cooling it under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. The creamy dressing is prepared by whisking together mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. Cooling the pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
Fresh mozzarella and halved cherry or grape tomatoes are combined with fresh basil cut into thin ribbons (chiffonade), contributing classic Caprese salad flavors. The dressing binds the ingredients, providing a balance of creamy texture and tangy sweetness from the balsamic vinegar. Additional olive oil and cracked black pepper may be drizzled on top before serving.
Caprese Pasta Salad offers a colorful and flavorful option for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. The ingredient combination highlights the contrast of creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, and herbs with the tangy dressing. For a more substantial meal, grilled chicken can be added, or chickpeas for extra protein in a vegetarian version.
The salad is best served soon after combining but can be made up to 24 hours in advance. To maintain freshness and avoid watery tomatoes and soggy basil, consider adding those just before serving if preparing early.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta or other shape
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cut into cubes
- 1 pint tomatoes halved, cherry or grape
- 1/4 cup basil cut into thin ribbons (chiffonade, fresh
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- balsamic vinegar for serving (optional, extra
- olive oil
- black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions in salted water. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Shake off as much excess water as possible.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (2 tablespoons), balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons), olive oil (1/4 cup), and kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained and cooled pasta, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to the bowl with the dressing. Stir to coat.
- Drizzle with more olive oil and balsamic and top with fresh cracked pepper before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead; for best texture, add tomatoes and basil just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken for protein, or chickpeas as a vegetarian alternative.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and consider drizzling extra balsamic vinegar and olive oil before serving for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 576 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 576kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 48mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 419mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 436mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1041IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 314mg | 31% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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