Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad features delightful flavors from fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil, making it a perfect quick dinner for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 16 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
- 2 pints grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- ½ cups fresh basil julienned
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water with one tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta al-dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Slice the tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl.
- Add mozzarella pearls and julienned basil to the bowl with tomatoes.
- In a small jar or measuring cup, combine olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake until mixed well.
- Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the large bowl with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Pour in half of the dressing and toss to coat the salad evenly. Taste and adjust with more dressing if necessary.
- Reserve the remaining dressing to add later, as the pasta will absorb the dressing when stored.
- Serve the salad fresh!
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh ingredients like basil and mozzarella.
Feel free to add additional vegetables like cucumber or avocado for extra flavor.
This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, but store extra dressing separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg