Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant, cold Italian-inspired dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with pasta. It typically features cooked pasta tossed with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a light vinaigrette or olive oil. This refreshing salad is popular as a summer side dish or light meal, especially in Italian-American cuisine.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally balanced but leans towards being higher in carbohydrates from the pasta and fats from the cheese and olive oil. It provides a good source of protein from the mozzarella and offers key nutrients like calcium, vitamin C, and lycopene from the tomatoes. A typical serving contains roughly 350-450 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	420 mg
Calcium	280 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Vitamin A	90 mcg
Iron	2.1 mg
Vitamin K	18 mcg
Phosphorus	210 mg
Lycopene	4.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a creative fusion that transforms a simple antipasto into a satisfying main or side. Nutritionally, the combination of lycopene from tomatoes and healthy fats from olive oil can enhance the absorption of certain antioxidants.