Introducing Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato, a delightful dish that combines the classic tastes of a Caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta. This salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes!
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Why Make Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato is a fantastic dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a wholesome, balanced meal. The combination of pasta, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella brings a satisfying texture, while the vibrant dressing enhances each bite. This recipe is also highly versatile; you can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the fresh ingredients, making it a smart choice for your diet!
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato Step by Step
Ingredients
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 60 ml balsamic vinegar
- 30–45 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 225 g dried farfalle pasta, or other small pasta
- 225 g mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella, diced
- 2 cups (approx. 300 g) grape tomatoes, halved
- 15 g fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or sealable jar until emulsified. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool and prevent overcooking.
- Combine the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette and toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as required.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
For a perfect summer meal, serve your Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. Pair it with a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. If you want to create a more filling dish, try integrating some roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread.
How to Store Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
To keep your Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days. When ready to serve again, simply give it a gentle toss. If you have a large batch, consider freezing the pasta salad without the dressing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and add freshly made dressing just before enjoying.
Expert Tips for Cooking Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip rinsing the pasta after cooking; this keeps it from sticking together.
- If you want a bit of kick, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- To enhance freshness, add more herbs like oregano or parsley if you like.
- Always serve the salad chilled for the best taste experience!
Delicious Variations of Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
For a spicy twist, try adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with citrus flavors by adding orange segments or grapefruit, giving the salad a bright, refreshing edge. For a vegetarian option, toss in some grilled zucchini or bell peppers for an extra layer of taste.
Conclusion
Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, healthy meal with minimal effort involved. With its unique blend of ingredients and customizable nature, this salad is sure to impress your guests or make your busy nights more delicious. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Caprese Pasta Salad Basil Tomato
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil Use high-quality for best flavor.
- 60 ml balsamic vinegar
- 30-45 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 225 g dried farfalle pasta Or other small pasta.
- 225 g mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella, diced
- 300 g grape tomatoes, halved
- 15 g fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or sealable jar until emulsified. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool and prevent overcooking.
- Combine the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette and toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as required.
