Get ready to savor the taste of summer with this quick and simple Caprese Pasta Salad! Combining all the classic flavors of a traditional caprese salad with the comfort of tender pasta noodles, this dish is the ultimate sidekick for summer BBQs, pitch-ins, weeknight dinners, and more.
What Is Caprese Pasta Salad Made Of?
Here’s what we used to bring together the iconic components of caprese with the comforting addition of pasta in this delicious recipe:
- Pasta – We typically use rotini pasta noodles, but any shape you like best will work!
- Tomatoes – Traditionally, caprese salad is made with heirloom tomatoes, but we’ve found that grape tomatoes have a sweeter taste and hold up better in the salad.
- Kalamata Olives – These give the salad a briny flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella.
- Mozzarella – Make sure you use fresh mozzarella balls! Miniature or cherry-sized varieties work best.
- Basil – Fresh basil brightens up the salad with its herby flavor.
- Red Onion – Soaking the thinly sliced pieces in water will help to mellow the onion’s flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze – A reduction of balsamic vinegar, this is crucial to any caprese recipe and is responsible for the sweet flavor that leaves us all coming back for more.
Dressing
- Olive Oil – This forms the base of the dressing, creating an emulsion that combines the ingredients.
- Lemon – We prefer to fresh-squeeze it, but a store-bought juice will work in a pinch.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a punchy, slightly fruity taste that pairs well with the balsamic glaze.
- Seasonings – Sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic create a balanced flavor profile for the dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
- 3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top before serving.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes for the best flavor.
WW Points
- About 5–6 points per serving
- Makes about 6 servings