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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan option

Description

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish ideal for summer meals. Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, creamy plant-based mozzarella, and perfectly cooked short pasta, it is tossed in a light dressing made from extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and garlic (natural). Quick to prepare and visually inviting with bright colors, this salad serves perfectly as a refreshing main or side dish for picnics, casual dinners, and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 250g short pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 200g cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g mozzarella (plant-based), cubed or small balls

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 clove garlic (natural), minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the pasta cools, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Tear the fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. Cut the plant-based mozzarella into small cubes or use small balls if available.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta with the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and dressing until everything is evenly coated and mixed together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest experience or refrigerate for up to a couple of hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes and basil for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture keeps the salad from becoming mushy.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.
  • Adjust the dressing acidity by starting with less vinegar and adding more to taste.
  • Use quality extra virgin olive oil (natural) to elevate the dish’s flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Vegan Caprese, Plant-Based Mozzarella, Easy Pasta Salad, Fresh Basil Salad

Find it online: https://familycookspot.com/caprese-pasta-salad/