Easy Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
The traditional Caprese Salad, gets a gluten free upgrade with this Easy Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad.
I love caprese and I love pasta, so this recipe combines my love of the two to create a delicious dish that can be served by itself or with a side of grilled chicken.
What is Caprese Salad?
Honestly, I never really like tomatoes until I tried a Caprese salad. This salad is a simple Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil that is seasoned with salt and a drizzle of olive oil. In some variations they also add balsamic vinegar which is my way of enjoying it.
How to make this Easy Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
To make our Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad, we took the basics of the traditional Italian salad added some pasta and voila, this recipe was created. The ingredients we used were:
- Cherry tomatoes – these are sweet and give the salad a nice look.
- Mozzarella Pearls – using these means you have even pieces throughout the salad
- Fresh Chopped Basil – so glad we have this growing in the garden!
- Gluten Free Rotini Pasta – Because of the ridges in the pasta, it absorbed the dressing much better.
- Olive Oil – use a good one that will add flavor to your salad
- Balsamic Vinegar – this is one of my favorite ingredients in this salad. When choosing, find a good brand.
- Sea Salt and Pepper to taste.
What to serve with this Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
This goes well with grilled chicken or even some grilled salmon. If you want to keep to the Italian theme, our Pesto Stuffed Chicken goes well too, or even our Easy Baked Meatballs. But this dish is good all by itself. Now it’s time to simply serve and enjoy!
Happy Cooking,
Easy Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
The traditional Caprese Salad, gets a gluten free upgrade with this Easy Gluten Free Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 10oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 8oz mozzarella pearls
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 4 tablespoons fresh chopped basil, plus more for topping
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 oz gluten free pasta, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Agave (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, then set aside to cool.
- While pasta is cooling, prepare the balance of the salad. To a large bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, mozarella pearls, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and basil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine and let marinate for about 20 minutes while the pasta is cooling.
- Once pasta is cooled, add to the tomato mixture, then toss to combine well. Season with a little more salt and pepper if needed, and if you desire a little agave to cut some of the acidity.
- Let salad marinate for another ten minutes. You can then serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
This salad will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.
