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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad: The Best Easy Recipe for Fresh Flavor

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for a light meal or a side.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing

  • 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
  • cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese plus ¼ cup shaved
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls halved
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves heaping, torn, plus more for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until slightly past al dente. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, grated pecorino, garlic, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Add the cooled pasta and toss to coat, then add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and basil and toss again. Add the shaved pecorino and gently toss.
  • Season to taste, garnish with more basil, and serve.

Notes

This salad can be served immediately or chilled for later. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Caprese Pasta Salad, easy recipe, fresh salad, pasta salad, Simple Recipe, summer dish
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