Description
A delightful Caprese Pasta Salad recipe that combines the flavors of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a homemade basil vinaigrette, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 lb fusilli pasta
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
Caprese Salad:
- 1 8-oz container ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls (halved)
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp ground pepper
- Balsamic glaze (to taste)
Basil Vinaigrette:
- 1.5 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water, add salt, cook pasta al dente, drain, and return to pot.
- Make Vinaigrette: Blend basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
- Dress Pasta: Toss warm pasta with basil vinaigrette. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Combine Ingredients: Add mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and pepper to pasta. Toss to combine.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, plate the salad, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the salad in advance and chill it overnight, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Caprese Salad, Italian Recipe, Vegetarian, Easy
