This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe post is brought to you by Barilla. All opinions are my own.
As we're headed into warmer weather, I've noticed that I've been craving lighter foods. Instead of heavy dishes loaded with cream or a thick sauce, I've been making my family simple entrees that are easy to prepare.
One of our favorites is chilled Caprese Pasta Salad made with Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
This dish is a cinch to prepare for lunch or dinner, and it's packed with fiber and nutrients— making it wholesome and delicious.
Barilla Whole Grain Pasta is made with 100% Whole Wheat and has 56g of whole grain in each serving. Here's the recipe:
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- 1-1/3 cup Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta cooked al dente & cooled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 4oz Chicken breast cooked, chopped & chilled
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In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss gently.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve.
When I serve Caprese Pasta Salad for dinner, I add a few ounces of chopped chicken for an additional source of protein. It's super yummy!
Now, I do want to mention the proper portion sizes for pasta, as many people, myself included, are concerned about consuming too many carbs.
A single serving of pasta is generally regarded as 2 oz. (57 g) of cooked pasta for a first course or side dish. A serving can be raised 3 to 4 oz. (85 to 113 g) if it is the only course. Occasionally a serving is approximated as 1/2 cup (114 g) of pasta; however, this depends on the shape of the pasta. For this Penne Caprese Pasta Salad, the cooked portion size equals 1-1/4 cups per serving. Barilla has a fantastic measuring pasta guide if you need help figuring out portions.
By following these guidelines, I enjoy my favorite foods without overindulging.
Tip: Serve pasta dishes in small bowls or on appetizer plates to make the meal appear larger.
You can find Barilla Whole Grain Pasta at Walmart— Be sure to use Ibotta to save even more on your Barilla pasta purchase!
Barilla Gluten Free pasta has recently been named one of Parents Magazine’s “Top 25 Allergy Free Foods”.
For more great recipes visit www.barilla.com/recipes and the campaign Pinterest board.
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