Put a new twist on pasta salad by combining your favorite type of pasta with the ingredients in a classic caprese salad.
I’ve always been the type of cook who isn’t afraid to be experimental. Few things give me more joy than when two different dishes come together to make a brand-new dish. That’s exactly what I found with this recipe for caprese pasta salad. As the name implies, it’s a simple collaboration between the ingredients you typically find in a caprese salad and a pasta salad.
This dish can be served either hot or cold and perfectly balances a multitude of flavors to create something simple but spectacular. If you need a quick side dish or a crowd-pleaser to bring to a picnic or a potluck, a caprese pasta salad is definitely something to consider. Given the colors, texture, and taste, it’s a dish that is anything but boring!
The grape tomatoes are sweet and juicy, while the mozzarella pearls are soft and creamy. Meanwhile, the pasta brings its own taste and texture to the dish. But my favorite part is the dressing that goes on top. It coats all the ingredients to ensure every bite dazzles and delights your taste buds.
Is Caprese Pasta Salad Healthy?
This caprese pasta salad is filled with fresh ingredients that help make it a nutritious dish. Grape tomatoes, for example, contain antioxidants, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The mozzarella pearls, meanwhile, contain both protein and calcium. Basil also brings nutritional value, especially vitamin K. Of course, pasta is high in carbohydrates, but using a whole wheat pasta can help the nutritional profile by upping the fiber content.
Fresh Ingredients Matter
The biggest key to making a great caprese pasta salad is ensuring that all of the ingredients are fresh. This is particularly true with the basil, which you should try to chop right before adding it to the salad for maximum freshness. Likewise, the grape tomatoes should be as fresh as possible. In fact, if you have other fresh vegetables available, you can consider adding them to the caprese pasta salad to expand the flavor profile. Specifically, I would recommend red onions, zucchini, green olives, and cherry tomatoes, if they are available.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover caprese pasta salad in the fridge either in an airtight container or covered tightly in plastic wrap. In the fridge, it should remain good for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, caprese pasta salad is great for picnics and potlucks. It’d be a great side for main dishes like Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan or even something simple like a homemade Italian Sub. Caprese pasta salad also tends to be a good complement for Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast, Chicken Kabobs, and even Turkey Burgers. This pasta salad can go well with just about anything, especially during the summer, so even if you’re making Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs With Salsa Verde And Queso Fresco, caprese pasta salad would be an excellent choice.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta such as farfalle or fusilli
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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