Description
This Healthy Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, hand-torn basil, and a tangy balsamic drizzle. It's a colorful, nutritious dish that provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz Whole Wheat or Chickpea Fusilli
2 cups Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup
1 clove Garlic, minced
Sea Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a mixing bowl
- Add mozzarella pearls to the bowl
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add to the bowl
- In a small jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake until emulsified
- Add cooled pasta to the bowl with veggies and cheese, pour dressing over, and toss to combine
- Let the salad sit for ten minutes before serving
Notes
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use brown rice or lentil pasta.
Add arugula or toasted pine nuts for variations.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg