Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad features a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that offer an irresistible flavor. With simple preparation, it’s an excellent choice for a quick dinner or a healthy meal. Perfect for anyone looking for homemade comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces pasta, bow-tie, rotini, corkscrew, etc.
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls, or 1 large ball fresh mozzarella, diced into ½-inch pieces
- 8 basil leaves, sliced into ribbons
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and salt it generously with 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente and drain without rinsing.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and molasses in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until well combined.
- Transfer the warm drained pasta to a large bowl and toss it with half of the dressing. Let it cool for about 10-20 minutes until slightly warm or at room temperature. To speed up cooling, spread the pasta on a rimmed sheet pan.
- Once cooled, if necessary, return the pasta to the bowl. Add the remaining dressing, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Gently toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Once chilled, toss again and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using heirloom tomatoes.
This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor integration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg