Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil tossed in olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb small pasta (fusilli, penne, or shells)
- 16 oz mozzarella balls, halved
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse lightly, and cool.
- Halve mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Add to large bowl.
- Toss in cooled pasta and sliced basil.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and mix well.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Add basil right before serving. Reserve pasta water to refresh salad if needed. Make ahead for parties or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caprese pasta salad, summer pasta salad, picnic salad, Italian pasta salad, fresh mozzarella salad