Caprese Pasta Salad (25 Minutes)

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The beauty of a Caprese salad lies in its simplicity: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Now, imagine incorporating those classic flavors into a hearty pasta salad, complemented by a touch of peppery arugula. This Caprese pasta salad with rotini becomes an instant favorite because it’s straightforward, delicious, and packed with fresh ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for a quick meal or a side dish that impresses without much fuss. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed regular mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, chopped basil, and arugula.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, red pepper flakes.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well combined and coated.
  5. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor melding.

Notes

Whether you’re serving this at a BBQ or as a refreshing meal, this Caprese pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Its light dressing beautifully accentuates the classic Caprese flavors. If you’re looking to make it more substantial, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs wonderfully. Fresh crusty bread or garlic toast also complements the dish nicely. Remember, fresh ingredients are key here, so pick the ripest tomatoes and freshest mozzarella you can find.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/caprese-pasta-salad-25-minutes/