Description

Caprese Pasta Salad features a delightful combination of flavors with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Perfect for quick dinners or as a healthy, homemade side dish, this easy recipe is sure to please anyone looking for vibrant, refreshing meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound cavatappi pasta
16 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine, sliced in half if needed
2 pints grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
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

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al-dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
While the pasta cooks, halve the tomatoes and place them in a large bowl.
Add the mozzarella pearls and basil to the bowl with tomatoes.
In a small mason jar or measuring cup, combine olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake until well mixed.
Once the pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl with tomatoes and mozzarella.
Pour in half of the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Taste and add more dressing if necessary.
Save the remaining dressing for when serving, as the pasta will absorb the dressing over time.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Fresh basil is key for flavor; use it as quickly as possible.
Adjust the amount of dressing based on personal preference for a lighter or richer salad.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day; add more dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 345
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 16mg