Caprese Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterannean flavors, this Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect marriage of Italian classics in a single, refreshing dish. Tender al dente penne pasta forms the base, tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil chiffonade. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together, while a hint of garlic and perfectly balanced seasoning takes this salad to the next level. Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or light weekday meals, this quick 25-minute recipe offers an elegant yet easy way to enjoy the timeless flavors of a Caprese salad. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad recipe, quick pasta salad, summer salad ideas, Italian pasta salads.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the pasta.
Cut the fresh mozzarella balls in half and add them to the bowl.
Chiffonade (thinly slice) the fresh basil leaves and add them to the salad.
Mince the garlic cloves finely and mix them into the salad for added flavor.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Transfer the Caprese Pasta Salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh basil for decoration if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
268 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.0 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 398 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 162 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 216 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
