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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Caprese pasta salad layered in a mason jar, perfect for picnics, work lunches, or casual outdoor gatherings. Combines al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing for a fresh and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces small pasta shapes (bow ties, shells, or rotini)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon honey, a pinch of dried oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, roughly tear 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion if using, and drain 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls.
  4. Start by spooning about 2 tablespoons of dressing into the bottom of each 16-ounce mason jar. Then add one-third of the cooked pasta, followed by a layer of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, onion slices, and basil. Repeat layers if your jar is large enough, finishing with a few basil leaves on top for color. Drizzle a little extra dressing on the top layer if desired.
  5. Screw the lids tightly on the jars and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and keep basil fresh.
  6. When ready to eat, shake the jar well or pour contents into a bowl and toss gently to coat everything with the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook pasta until al dente and rinse under cold water immediately to prevent mushiness. Layer dressing at the bottom of the jar to keep basil fresh and avoid sogginess. Add fresh basil leaves before serving if basil darkens. Shake jar before eating or toss salad in a bowl for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, mason jar lunch, picnic salad, easy pasta salad, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic dressing

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-mason-jar-picnic-lunch-ideas/