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healthy caprese pasta salad meal prep idea
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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

This fresh Caprese pasta salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with tender pasta, all tossed in a simple homemade dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying dish perfect for summer meals, picnics, and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • colander for draining pasta
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl for dressing
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  7. Give it a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Salt your pasta water well for better flavor. Let pasta cool completely before mixing to prevent cheese from melting. Use high-quality olive oil for best results. Add basil just before serving for maximum freshness. Toss again before serving and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic if needed.