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Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

A delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring creamy dressing, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup creamy dressing (such as ranch or Italian)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente.
  2. While your pasta cooks, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Chop your fresh basil. Set them aside in a bowl.
  3. Once your pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cool water.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Drizzle in your creamy dressing and olive oil. Toss everything gently until well combined.
  5. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to your liking. Taste the salad and adjust the flavors as needed.
  6. For best results, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as a side at barbecues. Use fresh, peak-season ingredients for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Caprese, creamy dressing, summer salad, vegetarian recipe