Delicious Lunchbox Addition Caprese Pasta Salad
The Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh combination of classic Italian ingredients, perfect for a quick lunch or a popular side dish.
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
The Caprese Pasta was so simple it almost made itself. Just combine some cooked pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, then cover everything with a rich balsamic glaze. The fresh flavours perfectly complement each other, making this the ideal go-to for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 -3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Caprese Pasta Salad
- ½ pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta works best)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- To a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- To a large bowl add cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Drizzle with vinaigrette dressing and toss. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Balsamic Chicken Thighs
- Marinated London Broil
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Hot Dogs
- Grilled Sausages
- BBQ Chicken Legs
- Grilled Flank Steak
Tips and Tricks
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Cooking it al dente in salted water will add taste and keep the texture firm.
- Ensure to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- After adding the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil into a large bowl, drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette dressing and toss everything together thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
