Caprese Pasta Salad

A delightful and nutritious salad combining chewy pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Base Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or rotini) Whole wheat options are a great alternative for added fiber.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved Any variety of tomatoes will work, but cherry tomatoes are the most flavorful.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved Consider using low-fat options for a lighter touch.
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped If fresh isn’t available, dried basil can be used but will offer a different flavor depth.

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its taste and nutritional benefits.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Feel free to use a flavored balsamic for an extra kick.
to taste salt Essential for seasoning.
to taste pepper Always use fresh-ground pepper for a more aromatic flavor.

Method

Preparation

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas. Use basil-infused olive oil for an extra flavor dimension. Reheat any leftovers gently to bring the flavors back to life—avoid the microwave to preserve texture.