CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Caprese Pasta Salad image

This is a great little side dish for a BBQ and much healthier than the typical mayo-based macaroni salad. Olive Oil is packed with mono-unsaturated (good fats) and can help to achieve balanced cholesterol levels. I usually serve this at room temperature, but I've also served it hot and topped it with grilled chicken for a quick weeknight dinner.

Provided by Diet It Up

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut into quarters
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
1/3 cup Italian salad dressing (I like using the Good Seasons packet dressing)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb whole wheat bow tie pasta (I use barilla plus)
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Toss the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes with the Italian dressing. Cover and refrigerate. If I'm making this for dinner, I usually get the cheese and tomatoes in the fridge to marinate a few hours before I plan to assemble the salad.
  • In a skillet on low heat, heat the olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook on low for 5-10 minutes allowing the garlic to soften (but not brown) and infuse the oil.
  • Meanwhile, boil the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Set the pasta mixture aside to cool.
  • Once the pasta is cooled, add the cheese and tomatoes along with the dressing marinade. Season the salad with salt and pepper and top with 3 tablespoons fresh basil.

yaw congeegreen
c95@gmail.com

This pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any summer party.


Nyandwi Jmv
nyandwi.j69@yahoo.com

I love how versatile this recipe is. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your own taste.


Madison Timms
madison-timms@hotmail.fr

This salad is so refreshing and light. It's perfect for a hot summer day.


Zain Jutt Saab
z-saab@yahoo.com

I've never made pasta salad before, but this recipe made it so easy. I'm definitely going to try more pasta salad recipes in the future.


Denis Fuji
f.d73@yahoo.com

This recipe is a keeper! It's definitely going into my regular rotation.


PRT MUGHAL gaming
p.gaming75@hotmail.com

I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes, but I really enjoyed this pasta salad. The dressing is so good that it really masks the tomato flavor.


Ruby Reid
r_reid6@yahoo.com

This pasta salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.


Majedur 2002
2@hotmail.com

I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's just a few fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious dish.


Puiu Alex
puiu.alex@hotmail.com

This salad is perfect for a picnic or potluck.


Solutions It
solutions-it54@yahoo.com

I've made this pasta salad several times now and it's always a hit. It's so refreshing and delicious.


Rubel Jomadar
jomadarrubel79@yahoo.com

This recipe is a great way to use up fresh summer tomatoes.


Md SIZAN Mia
s91@yahoo.com

I added some grilled chicken to this salad for a more protein-packed meal. It was delicious!


kiol
kiol65@yahoo.com

The dressing is so flavorful and really brings all the ingredients together.


Truly Love
lovet77@gmail.com

I love how easy this recipe is to make. It's perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.


Md Gamer
g82@yahoo.com

This pasta salad was a hit at my summer BBQ! The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil is always a winner.