Description
This easy and refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad is a perfect summer dish featuring rotini pasta, mozzarella pearls, juicy grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thinly
- 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 the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, sea salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, mozzarella pearls, halved tomatoes, and sliced basil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar before serving.
- You can substitute the rotini pasta with any type of pasta you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Toss
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
