Description
This creamy Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish made with tender pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a rich and tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or as a flavorful summer side.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
- 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or mozzarella cubes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: 1 to 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced or diced
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
- Optional: ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- Optional: Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling on top
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, balsamic glaze, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with extra basil or balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes like rotini or bowties for best texture.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
- Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
