Description
A fresh and vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad recipe made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer picnics or light meals. Try this easy Italian pasta salad for a healthy, vegetarian-friendly dish.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or pearls), halved if large
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. While pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Tear the basil leaves.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
5. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss gently until evenly mixed.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
7. Garnish with extra basil if desired and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes in the fridge.
You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Always add the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg