5 from 20 votes
Italian Caprese Pasta Salad
Italian Caprese Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, oregano, salt, olive oil, and optional pesto. The salad has a fresh, fragrant quality from the basil and oregano, complemented by the creaminess of mozzarella and the bright acidity of tomatoes. It’s chilled after preparation, making it a refreshing dish for warm days. The pesto, if used, adds a rich herby dimension that ties the salad together.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Chilling Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
488 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 25 cherry tomato or grape tomato, halved
- 9-10 ounces mozzarella cheese 300, fresh, large chopped or small balls halved
- 5-6 leaves basil fresh, chopped, or more if desired
- ¼-½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼-½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups pasta cooked al dente; butterfly, spiral or gemelli pasta types
- 2-3 tablespoons pesto optional
*You can use Homemade Pesto or store bought.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix together the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, oregano, salt and oil. Let sit 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl combine the slightly cooled al dente pasta and pesto. Add the tomato mixture and gently combine well. Cover well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Do not rinse the pasta to preserve its texture.
- If skipping pesto, toss pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while cooling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
- Discard the salad if it develops any off odors, flavors, or mold.
Nutrition Information
Calories
488kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
43g
(14%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
25g
(38%)
Saturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Cholesterol
51mg
(17%)
Sodium
628mg
(26%)
Potassium
335mg
(7%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1137IU
(23%)
Vitamin C
24mg
(27%)
Calcium
357mg
(36%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 488
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 488kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 628mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 335mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1137IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 357mg | 36% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.