Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful and colorful side dish perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks. Unlike traditional mayo-based salads, this dish embraces the freshness of ingredients, featuring exquisite bite-sized fresh mozzarella and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a herb-infused olive oil dressing. The whole wheat bow tie pasta adds a hearty touch, while the garnish of fresh basil brings a burst of flavor. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for both picnics and weeknight dinners. To elevate it into a complete meal, consider topping it with grilled chicken for added protein. Its wholesome ingredients not only tantalize the taste buds but also support a healthier lifestyle with good fats and colorful veggies!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh mozzarella cheese balls
1 1/2 cups (cut into quarters)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup (cut into quarters)
Italian salad dressing
1/3 cup (use a Good Seasons packet dressing for best flavor)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for added heat)
whole wheat bow tie pasta
1 lb
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized fresh mozzarella cheese balls and quartered cherry tomatoes with Italian salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
2
In a skillet over low heat, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic softens but avoid browning, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil.
3
While the oil mixture is cooling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
4
Add the cooled pasta to the skillet with the olive oil and garlic, tossing to thoroughly coat. Allow the pasta mixture to cool completely before continuing.
5
Once the pasta has cooled, add the marinated mozzarella and tomatoes, including any remaining dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently fold in the chopped fresh basil.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours to enhance flavors. Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature, or incorporate grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
11.9g
Carbs
5.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad?
It is a colorful side dish featuring whole wheat bow tie pasta, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a herb-infused olive oil dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cherry tomatoes, Italian dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, whole wheat bow tie pasta, and fresh basil.
How should I prepare the fresh mozzarella cheese balls?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of bite-sized mozzarella balls and cut them into quarters before marinating.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
Use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters to match the size of the mozzarella.
What kind of Italian dressing is recommended for the marinade?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of Italian salad dressing, noting that a Good Seasons packet dressing provides the best flavor.
How long do the mozzarella and tomatoes need to marinate?
They should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the olive oil dressing prepared?
In a skillet over low heat, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for 5-10 minutes.
What is the key to cooking the garlic for the oil infusion?
Cook the garlic gently until it softens, but be careful to avoid browning it so the flavors infuse correctly without becoming bitter.
What type of pasta does this recipe use?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of whole wheat bow tie pasta.
What is the suggested cooking texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture according to the package instructions.
When do I add the pasta to the oil mixture?
Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly, then add it to the skillet with the olive oil and garlic, tossing to coat thoroughly.
Can I serve Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately, though refrigerating for up to two hours can enhance the overall flavors.
What temperature should the salad be served at?
This salad is versatile and can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer BBQ?
Yes, it is described as a delightful and colorful side dish perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.
How can I turn this side dish into a complete meal?
You can elevate the salad into a complete meal by topping it with grilled chicken for added protein.
Is Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe as written is vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 9.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 11.9g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad provides about 5.8g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe have any spicy elements?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
When should the fresh basil be added?
Gently fold in 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil after the cooled pasta has been combined with the marinated mozzarella and tomatoes.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is a make-ahead meal that can be refrigerated for up to two hours to allow the flavors to enhance.
What amount of garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this a mayo-based pasta salad?
No, unlike traditional mayo-based salads, this dish uses a fresh herb-infused olive oil dressing.
What is the purpose of the whole wheat pasta in this dish?
The whole wheat pasta adds a hearty touch and supports a healthier lifestyle with wholesome grains.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil.
Should I season the salad with salt?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to taste once the pasta and marinated ingredients are combined.
How long should the garlic oil simmer?
The oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes should cook gently over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber information?
While it uses whole wheat pasta, the specific fiber count per serving is not provided in the nutrition data.