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Caprese Pasta Salad picnic idea

Caprese Pasta Salad Picnic Idea: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun

This Caprese Pasta Salad picnic idea combines sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a fresh and flavorful dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Salad
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces mozzarella balls halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil whole leaves or thin ribbons
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove minced garlic optional
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Whisk or jar for dressing

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and combine them.
  4. Gently add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss until evenly mixed.
  5. Slice the fresh basil into thin ribbons and fold it into the pasta salad mixture.
  6. Whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  8. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Serve with garlic butter pasta or crab salad for a complete meal. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so add basil and tomatoes just before serving if made ahead.

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