Caprese Pasta Salad

Written by on in Pasta Dishes, Salads

You will love this refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad, perfect for the warmer months! Bursting with vibrant colours and flavours, this dish combines the classic Caprese salad ingredients with pasta for a delicious twist. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a light yet satisfying meal, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste. The best part is that you will have it ready in just a few easy steps.

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Caprese Pasta Salad

Why you’ll love this recipe:

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures, from the juicy cherry tomatoes to the creamy mozzarella pearls and fragrant basil.

Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks, or as a light and satisfying main course.

Lastly, it’s a breeze to prepare, requiring simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, making it suitable for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Some Nutritional Facts:

  • Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and folate, tomatoes offer numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers.
  • Basil: Packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like vitamin K and manganese, basil not only adds flavour but also provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  • Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats and contains powerful antioxidants, contributing to heart health and reducing inflammation.
Caprese Pasta Salad

Tips to make this recipe:

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality mozzarella for the best results.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
  • Let It Marinate: For optimal flavour, allow the salad to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything and add the dressing just before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different varieties based on your preference.

Is it necessary to use balsamic glaze for garnish?

While balsamic glaze adds a nice finishing touch, it’s optional.

Caprese Pasta Salad
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Caprese Pasta Salad

Recipe by XiolyCourse: Lunch, dinnerDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 200g uncooked pasta

  • 120g mozzarella pearls

  • 1 + ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

  • 2 cups cucumber, diced

  • 20g fresh basil, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

  • 30g freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese

  • Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze (for garnish)

  • DRESSING

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, if necessary, and set the dressing aside.
  • Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the mozzarella pearls, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil leaves. Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
  • Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
  • Season to Taste: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed, to suit your preference.
  • Serve: Once ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and toppings. Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil leaves for a finishing touch.

Notes

  • If serving later in the day, let the salad marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours before adding the fresh basil.

More Pasta Recipes:

Check this Recipe’s video:

@seeolee_cooks

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD 🍅🤍 INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD 200g uncooked pasta 120g mozzarella pearls 1 + ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 2 cups cucumber, diced 20g fresh basil, chopped (reserve some for garnish) 30g freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese drizzle of balsamic glaze (for garnish) DRESSING 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp dried oregano 1 tbsp honey Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS: Cook your pasta following the package instructions. Drain and let cool. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, honey, salt and pepper. In a large bowl combine pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumbers, parmesan and basil. Add dressing to the salad and mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. If serving later in the day, let marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours before adding basil. Recipe adapted from @Marissa Mullen 🤍 #easyrecipe

♬ original sound – ryan.