Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a quick and refreshing summer meal that combines short pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil in a simple balsamic dressing. Perfect for hot days, it's a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
1 lb Short pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz Fresh mozzarella pearls
1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
2 cloves Minced garlic
To taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper
- Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss well to coat
- Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls
- Stir in most of the chopped basil, reserving some for garnish
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld
- Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil
Notes
For best texture, cook pasta al dente and dry tomatoes well after washing.
Use room temperature mozzarella for creaminess; add basil just before serving to prevent wilting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze. Add a splash of olive oil if dry after storage.
This salad tastes even better the next day. Wait to add basil until serving if making ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: pasta salad, caprese, summer, quick, easy