Discover the delightful flavors of our easy-to-make Caprese Pasta Salad. This classic side dish combines chilled noodles, cheese, and a healthier twist with a vinaigrette dressing made from oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a finishing touch. Indulge in this scrumptious salad today!
Total Time
2hr 25min
5.0
2 Ratings
Author: Jack Lee at SideChef
Servings:
6
Ingredients
•
1
lb
Elbow Macaroni
, cooked, rinsed
•
2
cups
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
•
2
cups
Cherry Tomatoes
, halved
•
1/2
cup
Fresh Basil
, chopped
•
to taste
Balsamic Glaze
•
to taste
Salt
(optional)
•
to taste
Ground Black Pepper
(optional)
•
to taste
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
(optional)
Vinaigrette Dressing
•
4
tbsp
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
•
4
tbsp
Balsamic Vinegar
•
2
tsp
Dijon Mustard
•
1
Large
Lemon
, juiced
•
1
clove
Garlic
, crushed
•
2
tsp
Italian Seasoning
•
2
tsp
Kosher Salt
•
2
tsp
Ground Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
1.
Cook the Elbow Macaroni (1 lb) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool down the pasta.
2.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (4 tbsp), Balsamic Vinegar (4 tbsp), Dijon Mustard (2 tsp), 3 Tbsp of Lemon Juice (1), Garlic (1 clove), Italian Seasoning (2 tsp), Kosher Salt (2 tsp), and Ground Black Pepper (2 tsp) until well combined.
3.
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
4.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and combine.
5.
Add the Fresh Mozzarella Pearls (2 cups), Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups), and Fresh Basil (1/2 cup) to the bowl with the macaroni and toss until everything is evenly mixed.
6.
Drizzle the pasta salad with Balsamic Glaze (to taste) before serving. Season more with Salt (to taste), Ground Black Pepper (to taste), and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (to taste), if desired.
Author's Notes
As the recipe is very simple, acquiring the best quality of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes is the key to the best-tasting version of this salad!
Nutrition Per Serving
CALORIES
475
FAT
17.4 g
PROTEIN
17.3 g
CARBS
61.6 g
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