Caprese Pasta Salad
The perfect salad for summer with the flavors of basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar and your favorite additions.
Equipment
- 1 Stove
- 1 Stock pot
- 1 knife and cutting board
- 1 set Measuring cups/spoons
- 1 garlic press, optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, shells or bowtie) use gluten free, if needed
- 1 C olives- green or Kalamata
- 1 C salami
- 1 C fresh mozzarella
- 3 C cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 C fresh basil
Dressing
- 1/2 C olive oil
- 3 T fresh lemon juice
- 2 T honey
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 1 t salt
- 1/2 t black pepper
- 1 t oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Fill pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook as directed to al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside.
- Prep all other ingredients, measuring after slicing, etc.
- Slice olives in half or leave whole, your preference.
- Wash and slice cherry tomatoes in half.
- Cut salami into small cubes. TIP: Have sliced thick in deli to make cubes easier.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls or cut sliced mozzarella into cubes.
- Slice the red onion thinly. Add to cold water for 10 minutes to reduce strong flavor. Drain before adding to salad.
- Fold basil and slice into thin strips. Leave a few whole leaves to garnish.
- Measure and whisk together all dressing ingredients to emulsify.
- In a large serving bowl, add pasta, olives, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion and sliced basil.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix to gently coat all ingredients. Garnish with whole basil leaves.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!
Notes
A great cool summer salad that lets you make your own. Feel free to add diced bell peppers, fresh summer corn, switch out salami for ham or turkey, add chopped chives, and more summer vegetables or meats to make it your own.
NOTE: Switch out pasta for a gluten free option if those whose feet are under your table have gluten sensitivity.