Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Make this easy caprese pasta salad for the perfect summer side dish or appetizer that can double as a complete meal with the addition of protein!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Chill Time30

Total Time45

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: caprese pasta salad, caprese pasta salad recipe

Servings: servings

Equipment

1 Pot
1 Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

1 pound pasta such as rotini or similar shape
3 cups grape tomatoes sliced
1 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls miniature or cherry-sized
1 cup fresh basil chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 small red onion (or 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion) soak in water for 10 minutes to help cut the strong flavor

Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 minced garlic clove

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
1 pound pasta
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from half a lemon, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined.
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sliced grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped fresh basil, and onion. Gently toss to combine.
3 cups grape tomatoes sliced, 1 cup sliced Kalamata olives, 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls miniature or cherry-sized, 1 cup fresh basil chopped, 1 small red onion (or 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion)
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad, and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta salad, using as much or as little as desired.
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

Note: If you'd like to add some extra flavor, you can also consider adding even more minced garlic or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing.

Nutrition