Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
For the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 large zucchini, spiralized or cut into thin ribbons (or use another low-carb pasta substitute like shirataki noodles)
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- If using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. If using a vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into thin ribbons.
- Optionally, blanch the zucchini noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Add the zucchini noodles (or your chosen low-carb pasta substitute) to the bowl.
4. Toss with Vinaigrette:
- Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss to coat all the ingredients with the dressing evenly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving):
- Calories: 150-200
- Total Fat: 14-16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams
- Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Tips:
- Cheese Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, use avocado chunks instead of mozzarella.
- Additional Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein while keeping it low-carb.
- Dressing Variations: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette for an extra tangy flavor.
Enjoy your refreshing and low-carb Caprese Pasta Salad! 🍅🧀🌿
Ingredients:
For the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 large zucchini, spiralized or cut into thin ribbons (or use another low-carb pasta substitute like shirataki noodles)
- Optional: 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vinaigrette Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- If using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles. If using a vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into thin ribbons.
- Optionally, blanch the zucchini noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to slightly soften, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Add the zucchini noodles (or your chosen low-carb pasta substitute) to the bowl.
4. Toss with Vinaigrette:
- Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss to coat all the ingredients with the dressing evenly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving):
- Calories: 150-200
- Total Fat: 14-16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 10-20 milligrams
- Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Tips:
- Cheese Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, use avocado chunks instead of mozzarella.
- Additional Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein while keeping it low-carb.
- Dressing Variations: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the vinaigrette for an extra tangy flavor.
Enjoy your refreshing and low-carb Caprese Pasta Salad! 🍅🧀🌿