Description
Caprese Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing summer meal featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy plant-based mozzarella tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfect for picnics, BBQs, or quick lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of your choice (small shapes like rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup plant-based mozzarella (plant-based), cubed or torn bite-sized
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, crispy bits
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup chickpeas or white beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water with a pinch of salt, then cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the juicy tomatoes, roughly chop fresh basil leaves, and cube or tear the plant-based mozzarella into bite-sized pieces to maintain a creamy texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined for a light and tangy dressing.
- Combine All Ingredients: Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl, then fold in the tomatoes, basil, and plant-based mozzarella. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every delicious bite.
- Let It Rest: Allow the Caprese Pasta Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Salt your pasta water to enhance flavor from inside out.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar (natural) to taste for preferred tanginess.
- Toss gently to keep the plant-based mozzarella intact and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, plant-based mozzarella salad, summer pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe
