Description
A fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make Caprese Pasta Salad combining ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, creamy plant-based mozzarella, and cooked short pasta tossed in a simple olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or a colorful side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli), cooled
- 1 1/2 cups fresh ripe juicy tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup creamy plant-based mozzarella, cubed or sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Optional: 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (natural)
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles, preserving firmness for the salad.
- Prepare fresh ingredients: While the pasta cooks, chop the juicy tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, tear the fresh basil leaves, and cube or slice the creamy plant-based mozzarella. If using smoked turkey bacon, cook until crispy and chop into small pieces.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper (natural) until well combined. This simple dressing will blend all flavors harmoniously.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, gently toss cooled pasta, tomatoes, basil, plant-based mozzarella, and smoked turkey bacon if using. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the mozzarella pieces.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the Caprese Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the dish is refreshing for warm weather.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes available for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar dressing according to your taste preference.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking up the plant-based mozzarella pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, plant-based mozzarella, summer salad, Italian salad, easy pasta salad, fresh basil, tomato salad, quick lunch
