Caprese Pasta Salad
I love the fresh flavors of a Caprese salad: mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic. So “old country.” A pasta salad version couldn’t go wrong.
Did you know? Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil. It is occasionally paired with arugula. The usual presentation is an arrangement on a plate. Like "Pizza Margherita, it features the colours of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. In Italy, it is usually served as an antipasto (starter), not a contorno (side dish) and may be eaten any time of day. (source: Wikipedia)
Simple ingredients
I adapted this recipe from one on Delish.com. Their version would feed a small crowd, but I am feeding two so I make a different quantity. I use most ingredients half of the original recipe, with one exception: cheese. I use the same amount of cheese for half the salad. Why? Because (repeat after me) “There is no such thing as too much cheese!”
Looks right to me!
In my opinion, what takes this Caprese Pasta Salad from good to great is the balsamic glaze. Yummy! Now, if you’d really like, I could recommend a recipe for making balsamic glaze. But really, who wants to?
Finding this grocery item was life-changing for me. In my opinion, it’s not worth making from scratch unless you cook with it All. The. Time. Which I do not. 😀
Like most pasta salads, this one comes together very quickly. Use the time while the pasta is cooking to cut up the tomatoes and basil, and whisk together the dressing. Drain and cool the pasta, then everything is combined. Easy-peasy!
Dress up your Caprese Pasta Salad with more basil and balsamic glaze to make it just as pretty as it is delicious.
Interesting fact: Radiatore pasta is so named because they resemble radiators.
You're welcome.
This salad goes great with anything from the grill, like a Juicy Lucy or even Grilled Pizza.
Need another pasta salad? Try this Easy Pasta Salad!
And a Balsamic Cucumber Tomato salad or Greek Cucumber Salad will be welcome at any gathering.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Recipe details
- 4 servings
- Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 15 min
Comments
Share your thoughts, or ask a question!