why make this recipe
Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic Italian salad. This dish combines the fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but also easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or even just a light lunch at home, this pasta salad is sure to impress!
how to make Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and 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 salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving.
how to serve Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad
You can serve Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Add a little extra basil on top for garnish or sprinkle with some extra mozzarella for a cheesy touch.
how to store Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad
To store any leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to three days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a little olive oil or vinegar before serving.
tips to make Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing in the other ingredients. This helps prevent the cheese from melting.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
- Feel free to adjust the dressing to your taste. Add more vinegar for tanginess or more olive oil for richness.
variation
You can customize this pasta salad in many ways. Consider adding vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch. You could also add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.
What type of pasta works best?
Fusilli or rotini works best because their shapes hold the dressing well. You can also use any pasta you have on hand.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella adds a wonderful taste and creamy texture to the salad. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.
Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad
A delightful twist on a classic Italian salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, combined with pasta for a satisfying dish.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and 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 salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Adjust the dressing to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pasta salad, Italian salad, Caprese salad, fresh ingredients, summer dish