Caprese Pasta Salad
A refreshing cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic dressing, perfect for picnics and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pesto
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, pesto, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg