Caprese Pasta Salad
The perfect Caprese pasta salad for a potluck or summer bbq! Caprese pasta salad made with juicy tomatoes, marinated fresh mozzarella cheese, fragrant fresh basil, and a mouthwatering homemade Italian herb vinaigrette! A versatile popular side dish!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
Dressing/Marinade
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 4-5 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 Tbsp capers drained and roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta Salad
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz bocconcini fresh mozzarella balls or fresh mozzarella cut into 1/2" cubes
- 12 oz dried orecchiette pasta or other shortcut pasta
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts lightly toasted, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add dressing ingredients and whisk until well combined. Reserve 2 Tbsp of dressing and place in an airtight container and set aside.
- Add cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to mixing bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Let sit and marinate approximately 30 minutes.
- While the cheese and tomatoes are marinating, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. Let cool slightly.
- Add pasta to mixing bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to serving container, cover and refrigerate 1-2 days. Before serving, toss pasta salad with reserved dressing and serve.
Notes
Pasta salad can also be served warm, right away after making it.
Nutrition
Calories: 566kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 602IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 2mg