This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is made with fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and basil, tossed in a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A perfect summer side dish ready in under an hour
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- ⅓ cup fresh basil sliced thinly
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to the instructions on package. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.8 ounces rotini pasta
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- Add the pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine.8 ounces mozzarella pearls, 2 cups grape tomatoes, ⅓ cup fresh basil
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Rinse pasta after cooking to cool it before mixing to prevent melting the cheese.
Use any short pasta, and swap in cherry tomatoes or cubed mozzarella if needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 741IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!