Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
The Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad blends pasta and fresh ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with Parma ham to create a composed salad. The mozzarella is optionally marinated in pesto before mixing with al dente pasta and shredded basil, then combined with torn Parma ham slices. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar finishes the dish, adding contrast to the creaminess and saltiness.
This salad has a pleasing texture mix: tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, smooth mozzarella, and slightly chewy Parma ham pieces. The fresh basil and balsamic vinegar contribute herbal and tart notes to balance richness. The pesto offers an optional layer of aromatic flavor.
Served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad suits summer meals, lunchboxes, or as a side to grilled dishes. It holds well in the fridge, making it suitable for make-ahead preparations.
Practical tips include adding basil just before serving to preserve its freshness and using gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Drizzling olive oil on pasta post-cooking prevents sticking.
Ingredients
Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta shell pasta or other preferred shape, 450g
- 1 lb cherry tomato halved, 450g, aka grape tomatoes
- 1 lb mozzarella 450g, pearls
- 3 tablespoon pesto optional
- 4 tbsp basil shredded, fresh leaves
- 10 lices parma ham roughly torn
- balsamic vinegar to drizzle
Instructions
Parma Ham and Caprese Pasta Salad Instructions
- Mix the mozzarella pearls with pesto (if using) and set aside to marinate.
- Cook pasta until it is al dente following the package instructions, then drain and allow it to cool.
- Next, combine the pasta, basil and Parma ham with the mozzarella pesto mixture. Stir to combine.
- Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinegar, to taste.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Use whole mozzarella cut into pieces if mozzarella pearls are unavailable.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on cooked pasta to prevent sticking before mixing.
- For best flavor, add fresh basil just before serving to keep its taste vibrant.
- Store the prepared salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Serve Parma ham at room temperature to maximize its flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 416 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 416kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 151mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 268mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 421IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 227mg | 23% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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