Caprese Pasta Salad
A vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad combining fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for a refreshing Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a little more balsamic glaze on top before serving or add toasted pine nuts for crunch.