Best Caprese Pasta Salad
This refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- ½ pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to retain firmness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together cooled pasta, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg