Open Shop Sorted

Lunch recipe

Zesty Caprese Pasta Salad with Lemon and Basil

No ratings yet

A tomato, basil, and mozzarella pasta salad with a light dressing.

Start planningStart cookingIngredients
30 min510 kcal3 base servingsPackableFreshFamily Friendly
ContainsGluten, Milk
Allergy and dietary checks

Shop Sorted can help flag food rules, but it cannot guarantee that a meal or product is allergen-free or suitable for your needs. Always check retailer labels, product packaging, ingredients and substitution notices before buying, cooking or eating.

Recipe and nutrition estimates

Recipe times, servings, calories and nutrition notes are estimates for planning. They are not medical or dietary advice. Check food is cooked safely and adjust recipes for your household's needs.

Focus ingredients: tomato, mozzarella, pasta

Dietary fit: Vegetarian, Lower Sugar

Serving tip: A splash of vinegar sharpens the flavour if it tastes a little flat.

Caprese Pasta Salad plated and ready to serve.

Image: Shop Sorted generated asset

Ingredients

What you need

  • 220g pasta
  • 200g cherry tomatoes
  • 125g mozzarella
  • 1 bunch basil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon

You'll also need

saucepan, bowl

Method

Step by step

Up to 8 clear steps
  1. Caprese Pasta Salad cooking step 1: Get prepped.
    Step 1

    Cook the pasta

    Cook 220g pasta in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 9-11 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well, then spread it out for 2 minutes so the steam escapes.

    11 min
  2. Caprese Pasta Salad cooking step 2: Start cooking.
    Step 2

    Prep the mix-ins

    Halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly chop the basil. Prepare the mozzarella so it is ready to fold through.

  3. Caprese Pasta Salad cooking step 3: Build the flavour.
    Step 3

    Make the dressing

    Stir lemon with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a little black pepper, and a pinch of salt only if needed.

  4. Caprese Pasta Salad cooking step 4: Bring it together.
    Step 4

    Dress while warm

    Toss the warm pasta with half the dressing for 30 seconds so it absorbs the flavour instead of sitting plain.

    1 min
  5. Caprese Pasta Salad cooking step 5: Finish the dish.
    Step 5

    Fold everything together

    Fold through the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes and basil, then add the remaining dressing and toss again.

  6. Step 6

    Pack or serve

    Taste and adjust with black pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Serve at room temperature, or cool quickly and keep chilled if packing ahead.