Caprese Pasta Salad
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This Caprese Pasta Salad only takes a few simple ingredients and you have a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner. Organic noodles, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil and a few spices are all you need!
If you love making easy pasta dishes, try my Healthy Ranch Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, or Lemon Pasta.
Table of Contents
What is a Caprese Pasta Salad?
A Caprese Salad is a simple Italian dish made of just three ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. It is typically drizzled with olive oil and salt and pepper.
This simple trio of ingredients is just so good! So I've just taken the basic Caprese Salad, and added organic pasta and a few more spices along with Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil so you can actually eat this for a meal. If you want more protein, you can also add in chicken or summer sausage, which is something I do often as I do like to have more protein!
I love Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil it's one of my faves, and I buy it all the time. I also love their bottles (which is kinda silly, I know) but it actually makes it seem really fancy even though this olive oil is very reasonably priced. Delaney and I always joke that we're suckers for good branding, but hey — we own a design agency, how can we not be?!
I created this recipe with my friends at Carapelli, using their Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and I love their olive oil for many reasons. But first, look at the bottle. This has such a high quality olive oil feel to it, but it's very affordable and it's an oil that you can use in everything from cold dishes, hot dishes, and even baking!
I love their spout as it's so incredibly easy to pour from, especially when using for salads, such as this. Carapelli is a true Italian olive oil and they are based in Italy. They care about the time and craft that goes into creating olive oil, along with sustainability, which is why I love partnering with them because this is an oil I purchase all the time!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Simple: This homemade Caprese Pasta Salad is incredibly simple to make. It only requires a few ingredients, has minimal cook time, and comes together quickly and easily.
Easy Dinner: Make this easy pasta into a dinner by adding protein like chicken, sausage, or even steak.
Side Dish: This organic pasta is perfect for a side dish to any BBQ or potluck.
Healthy: I love dishes that are healthy-ish! This one checks all the boxes, it has organic ingredients, veggies, carbs, and good fats from the extra virgin olive oil. While this isn't gluten free, it is definitely a healthy side or meal that you can feel good about enjoying.
Ingredients & Health Benefits
- Noodles: I use organic Gemelli noodles, but Penne or another similar shape also works.
- EVOO: I use Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is a favorite of mine! EVOO is rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and anti inflammatory properties.
- Mozzarella: I use Organic Valley Mozzarella, you can use any kind you like. Mozzarella is rich in calcium and protein.
- Cherry Tomatoes: I like using this variety because they are small and flavorful! They are also rich in antioxidants, lycopene, and beta carotene.
- Basil: This brings so much flavor to this easy pasta salad! It's also anti inflammatory and has loads of antioxidants.
- Garlic Powder: I use for flavor, any kind you have will work.
- Dried Oregano: I use this for flavor, it also can support digestion and has antimicrobial properties.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Organic balsamic vinegar brings a tang to this easy pasta dish and it also can help with digestion.
- Salt and Pepper: Needed for flavor.
Tools Needed
- 3-Quart Pot: You'll need a 3-quart pot to cook the noodles.
- Mixing Bowl: You'll need a large mixing bowl to mix up this pasta salad.
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Cook the noodles by following the directions on the box. Allow to cool completely and set aside. (I will usually make the noodles the night before, store in a air tight container in the fridge until ready to use).
Step 2
To make the dressing: In a small bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, fine sea salt, and pepper and whisk together. Set aside.
Step 3
To assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled noodles. Half or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Cube the mozzarella. Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil into the bowl with the noodles. Pour all the dressing over the top, and toss to coat completely.
FAQ's
Yes, just use your favorite gluten free pasta.
Yes, chicken, Italian sausage, or even summer sausage are all delicious with this recipe!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Craving More?
Caprese Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound Gemelli noodles
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the noodles by following the directions on the box. Allow to cool completely and set aside. (I will usually make the noodles the night before, store in a air tight container in the fridge until ready to use).
- To make the dressing: In a small bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, fine sea salt, and pepper and whisk together. Set aside.
- To assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the cooled noodles.
- Half or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Cube the mozzarella. Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil into the bowl with the noodles.
- Pour all the dressing over the top, and toss to coat completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
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The best side salad for any potluck!