Description
A refreshing pasta salad featuring rotini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a light dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Pasta salads always remind me of busy summer kitchens where bowls of cooling pasta sat beside freshly sliced vegetables waiting to be tossed together before family gatherings.
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The dressing is light but full of flavor, coating the pasta without overpowering the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.
- Step 3: Combine the Ingredients – In a large serving bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. The bright red tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant green basil create a dish that looks just as refreshing as it tastes.
- Step 4: Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate the Italian Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the pasta to absorb the dressing while the flavors blend together beautifully.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- For a vegan option, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 mg