Healthy Caprese Pasta Salad: A Fresh, Easy-to-Make Delight
This healthy caprese pasta salad is a quick and refreshing dish featuring tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and vibrant basil. Perfect as an easy caprese pasta salad or a make-ahead caprese salad, it’s a wholesome, flavorful option for summer basil pasta salad lovers. Enjoy it as a cold pasta salad with mozzarella and tomatoes, ideal for warm-weather meals or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat or brown rice rotini or fusilli
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 1/4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil plus small leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, red-wine vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gently stir in the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and mix well so the dressing coats every bite.
- Finish with Basil: Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced basil. Garnish with whole basil leaves for a pop of color, if desired.
Notes
You can serve the salad immediately at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to three days. Either way, it’s a delicious and healthy dish!