Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with sweet strawberries, creamy bocconcini, and peppery arugula, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups dry short pasta (ie: rotini, fusilli or farfalle)
- 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup mini bocconcini, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, rough chopped
- 3 cups baby arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, balsamic glaze, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, strawberries, bocconcini, red onion, basil, arugula, and any optional ingredients like feta and pine nuts.
- Drizzle and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill until ready to serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with more balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese Salad, Pasta Salad, Strawberry Salad, Balsamic Dressing
