Description

A refreshing Caprese pasta salad that captures the essence of summer, combining creamy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil with a delightful dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse quickly under cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and chopped basil. Gently fold in the dressing, ensuring all elements are well-coated.
Taste test: It’s crucial to taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as you see fit.
Chill: Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Allowing it to marinate enhances the flavors.

Notes

Do not skip the chilling step! The longer the salad sits, the better it gets, as flavors meld beautifully. Feel free to add extra ingredients like sweet corn or roasted red peppers for a special twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Caprese salad, pasta salad, summer recipe, creamy pasta, family meal