Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the quintessential summer dish that beautifully marries the freshness of seasonal produce with the comfort of pasta. This delightful salad features tender pasta intertwined with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a luscious dressing made from olive oil and white balsamic vinegar. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, this dish not only boasts vibrant colors but also offers a delightful medley of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing for a picnic, or looking for a quick meal option, this easy-to-make salad is bound to impress your guests and become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mozzarella with minced garlic.
- Add cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss gently to mix.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required after pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg