Caprese Strawberry Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Strawberry Pasta Salad
Description
The Caprese Strawberry Pasta Salad recipe melds cooked pasta with mozzarella cheese and the fresh, leafy texture of baby spinach. Sweet chopped strawberries introduce a fruity contrast that complements the salty cheese and aromatic basil. The dressing, made from extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, and a blend of Italian herbs, brings brightness and a mild tang to the salad.
The salad is assembled by tossing the pasta and other ingredients with the dressing, which is shaken together separately for thorough flavor integration. Massaging the spinach gently with dressing softens its texture and reduces any natural bitterness or 'squeakiness.' This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature and works well as a side dish during spring and summer.
Variations in seasoning can be made according to taste, especially regarding salt depending on the Italian seasoning blend used. A drizzle of balsamic glaze may be added for additional sweetness and depth. This salad provides a colorful, balanced option combining fruit, vegetables, and cheese commonly found in Caprese-style dishes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells or spirals
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese balls or cubed
- 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped, fresh
- ¾ cup strawberries chopped
- basil fresh chopped; to taste
FOR THE DRESSING:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 TBSP lime fresh squeezed juice
- 1.5 TBSP red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1.5 TBSP Italian seasoning blend (I love using Mrs. Dash)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Boil pasta per package instructions, strain, then rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, combine salad dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake well.
- Chop anywhere from 1-3 cups of baby spinach (add a little... or a lot!) and drizzle a little bit of the dressing over the leaves. Toss to lightly coat. I often like to take a few seconds to toss my hands in and gently massage the dressing into the spinach leaves. It helps remove some of the "squeakiness" of the veggie and makes it turn this luscious glossy green - love it so!
- Add pasta, strawberries, mozzarella pearls, and basil and add remaining dressing and mix well.
- Dive in and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe yields enough for hearty portions or four small side servings.
- Adjust added salt based on whether the Italian seasoning blend already contains salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- A drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze or reduction can be added on top to enhance flavor complexity.
- Gently massaging the baby spinach with the dressing helps improve texture by removing any bitterness and adding sheen.
- Estimated nutrition can vary; consider calculating based on specific ingredient brands used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 391 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 391kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 390mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 244mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 830IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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