Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic salad. This pasta salad has tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil all tossed in creamy balsamic dressing.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Chill 30

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 577kcal

Author Kate @ I Heart Eating

Ingredients

Pasta salad

1 pound uncooked rotini pasta
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chiffonade
Balsamic vinegar glaze optional for serving

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon honey
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and black pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
1 pound uncooked rotini pasta
Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
To make the dressing, whisk mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl until well combined.
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and black pepper to taste
Combine the cooked rotini pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls in a large bowl.
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat.
Fold in the basil.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Notes

- Pasta: You can use a similar shape of pasta, like gemelli or cavatappi, in this recipe.

- Mozzarella balls: You can use either marinated mozzarella balls or unmarinated. The marinated will add a bit more flavor to the salad. Burrata also makes a great alternative.

- Mayonnaise: Use whatever type of mayonnaise you prefer. I don't recommend using a salad dressing in this recipe as it can have a different flavor.

- Honey: The honey helps to balance out the tang in the dressing. Feel free to adjust it according to taste.
- Nutrition values are estimates.

Nutrition