Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with hearty rotini pasta, making it a perfect refreshing and colorful side dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or casual meals. Featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this recipe is simple to prepare, bright in flavor, and great for vegetarians.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and torn fresh basil leaves, ensuring all components are evenly distributed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and fresh ingredients; gently toss to coat everything evenly without breaking up the mozzarella or tomatoes.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it chilled for the best taste experience.
- Serve with glaze (optional): Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze on top for an extra tangy-sweet finishing touch, if desired.
Notes
- Use tricolor pasta for a more fun and colorful presentation.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil and herbs beforehand.
- This salad holds up well for picnics and potlucks, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
