Caprese Pasta Salad

This fresh and easy Caprese Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of a Caprese Salad with pasta. It’s perfect for a simple family meal or feeding a crowd, offering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors everyone will love. This make-ahead recipe features ripe tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, making it a refreshing and light side dish.

Ingredients

• 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
  
  

• ½ pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
  
  

• 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
  
  

Directions

1. In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk or shake together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
   
   

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
   
   

3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil.
   
   

4. Drizzle with the vinaigrette dressing and toss gently to combine.
   
   

5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate to serve later.
   
   

Nutritional Value by Grams (per serving approx.)

• Calories: 336 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 33 g
  
  

• Protein: 12 g
  
  

• Fat: 18 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 4 g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 14 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 228 mg
  
  

• Potassium: 229 mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2 g
  
  

• Sugar: 4 g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 473 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 9 mg
  
  

• Calcium: 160 mg
  
  

• Iron: 1 mg