Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful summer dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with pasta, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal or side dish.
- Author: Maya Quinn
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Salad
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (such as ciliegine or pearls)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Halve the mozzarella balls, slice the cherry tomatoes, and combine with cooled pasta and basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss Everything Together: Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, adjust seasoning, and let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad tastes best when allowed to sit for a while to marry the flavors.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Caprese Salad, Summer Salad