Recipe Background
Caprese Macaroni Salad blends Italian freshness with creamy pasta for a comforting dish.
Caprese Macaroni Salad merges classic Italian freshness with creamy, comforting pasta. The cherry tomatoes offer bursts of juicy sweetness, while mozzarella pearls provide a soft, milky counterpoint. Basil adds its signature peppery kick, and a hint of mustard in the dressing keeps things interesting. Perfectly cooked macaroni holds it all together; cool under running water to halt cooking and ensure a firm bite.
Combining freshness with creaminess makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, suited for al fresco dining or casual potlucks. The dressing, with a whisper of sugar and savory notes from Parmesan, wraps each ingredient in a gentle coat. Enjoy scents of fresh herbs and vine-ripened tomatoes, a reminder of late summer in every bite.
Sharing this salad is a multi-sensory experience. The vibrant colors entice before the first taste, encouraging conversation and connection. Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, it's a dish that bridges cultures and palates, delivering comfort through familiar yet thoughtfully layered flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Italian salad dressing mix
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves slivered
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
Directions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni to al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Allow the macaroni to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, the dressing mix, the sugar, the mustard, the salt, and the pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, the mozzarella, and the cooled macaroni.
- Add the dressing to the macaroni mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate the macaroni salad until ready to serve.
- Before serving, top the salad with the basil and the parmesan.
- Serve.
×
