Prosciutto Caprese Pasta Salad
Al dente pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and thin slices of salty prosciutto, finished with a light balsamic vinaigrette.it’s Mediterranean freshness in a bowl, perfect for lunch, a picnic, or as a side for dinner.
⏱ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta & Salad
250 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
150 g fresh mozzarella, cubed or bocconcini
6–8 slices prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey
Salt & black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions
Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and set aside
2️⃣ Make Dressing
Whisk olive oil, balsamic, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper
3️⃣ Assemble Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, prosciutto, and red onion
2. Pour dressing over the salad
3. Toss gently to coat
4. Add fresh basil before serving
💡 Chef Tips
Use room-temperature mozzarella for best flavor
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for visual appeal
Optional: sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch
Serve fresh; pasta absorbs flavors best if dressed just before eating
❓ frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Can I make ahead?
Yes, but add basil and dressing last minute to avoid sogginess
Make vegetarian?
Omit prosciutto; add roasted red peppers or olives for saltiness
Extra Mediterranean touch?
Add a few Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 43g
Protein: 18 g
Carbs: 42 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g