Description
Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella is a colorful and refreshing dish that embodies summer’s vibrant flavors. Combining al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is drizzled with high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delightful burst of taste. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes. Impress your guests with this easy yet sophisticated recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, prepare the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad; sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Chill in the fridge for about an hour for optimal flavor.
- Serve on plates with additional balsamic drizzle if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg