Description
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a creamy white balsamic dressing. It’s bright, fresh, and perfect for dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
1 lb small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
16 oz mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Drain and halve the mozzarella balls; halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Combine cooled pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in a mixing bowl.
4. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
6. Let sit for 30 minutes for flavors to blend before serving.
Notes
Use short pasta shapes; avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
Add basil just before serving to keep it vibrant.
Save 1/2 cup pasta water to mix in if needed for texture.
Let salad come to room temperature before serving, and refresh with olive oil if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To preserve freshness, add basil and tomatoes just before serving if prepping ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg