Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad combines fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and a luscious dressing for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for parties, picnics, or quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or mozzarella pearls), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn into small pieces
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and tear the basil leaves into small pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Be careful not to overmix.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color.
Notes
For the best flavor, serve at room temperature. Save a little dressing on the side to refresh the salad if it absorbs too much while sitting. Fresh basil is essential for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
Keywords: caprese pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish, vegetarian pasta salad