I remember the first time I tried a Caprese salad. It was a warm summer evening, sitting on a patio in Little Italy, with the aroma of basil hanging heavy in the air. The simplicity of the dish – fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil – was absolutely magical. But, you know me, I can't resist tweaking things just a bit. So, I thought, why not add some pasta? Specifically, cappelletti. The little hat-shaped pasta adds a delightful heartiness and makes it a more complete meal. Trust me, its sooo good!
This Caprese Salad with Cappelletti is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and simple ingredients. We're talking juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and those cute little cappelletti, all drizzled with a luscious olive oil dressing. It’s the kinda dish that makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco, even if you’re just at your kitchen table! Now, I know what you might be thinking: 'Pasta in a Caprese salad? Is she crazy?' Hear me out! The cappelletti not only adds a satisfying bite but also soaks up all that delicious dressing, making every mouthful a burst of summery goodness. Plus, it transforms a light appetizer into a more substantial salad that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Seriously, what's not to love about Caprese Salad with Cappelletti? It's quick, easy, and requires minimal cooking. The ingredients are readily available, and the dish is endlessly customizable. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your basil, experiment with flavored olive oils, or add a touch of balsamic glaze for extra zing. I was kinda skeptical at first but my friends said its 'the best pasta salad they've ever tried'.
Required Equipments
- Small Bowl
- Serving Platter
- Sharp Knife
Caprese Salad with Cappelletti: Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Salad with Cappelletti
Elevate your classic Caprese salad by adding cappelletti pasta! This Caprese Salad with Cappelletti features fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tender cappelletti pasta, all tossed in a flavorful olive oil dressing.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Begin by cooking the cappelletti according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Ensure the slices are uniform for an appealing presentation and even flavor distribution. I love seeing each layer perfectly balanced.
- Wash and slice the ripe tomatoes into similar 1/4-inch thick slices as the mozzarella. Match the size of the slices for a cohesive look. Cherry tomatoes cut in half work well too!
- Wash the fresh basil leaves and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Larger leaves can be torn into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Once the cappelletti is cooked, drain it well and let it cool slightly. Overly hot pasta can wilt the basil and make the mozzarella melt, which isn't ideal.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. A touch more salt can really bring out the flavors.
- On a serving platter, artfully arrange the mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and basil leaves, alternating them in a visually pleasing pattern. Think of it as creating a colorful mosaic.
- Gently toss the slightly cooled cappelletti with a small amount of the olive oil dressing to coat them evenly.
- Carefully place the dressed cappelletti among the mozzarella, tomato, and basil on the platter. Distribute them evenly so each bite has a little bit of everything.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil dressing evenly over the entire salad, ensuring each component is lightly coated. This adds flavor and a lovely sheen.
- Serve the Caprese Salad with Cappelletti immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you must prepare ahead, hold off on dressing the salad until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 150mg
