Description
A delightful creamy Caprese pasta salad combining fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Season the water generously with kosher salt, then add the pasta.
- Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente according to the package instructions.
- Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it lightly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the cooled pasta aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls and cut them in half.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a mixing bowl along with the halved mozzarella balls.
- Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Toss in the slivered basil to combine all the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix or shake well to combine the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad in the mixing bowl. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld. The salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, ideal for preparing in advance or enjoying leftovers.
Notes
- The salad is best served after sitting for at least 30 minutes.
- Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Creamy, Caprese, Pasta Salad, Italian, Salad, Vegetarian