Description
Discover a fresh and vibrant Caprese Quinoa Pasta Salad combining plant-based mozzarella, ripe juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is light, flavorful, and packed with nourishing ingredients, making it a perfect meal or side dish that brings refreshing satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (mini shells or orzo)
- 1 cup plant-based mozzarella, bite-sized chunks
- 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa and pasta: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in cold water to remove any bitterness. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy and tender. Simultaneously, boil your chosen small pasta shapes in salted water until al dente. Drain both well and allow them to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This zesty dressing will infuse bright flavors into the salad.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled quinoa and pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and bite-sized chunks of plant-based mozzarella. Pour the dressing over and toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the cheese pieces.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the textures to unify. Serve cold, garnished with extra torn basil leaves and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes and basil for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- Do not overcook the pasta to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor blending and freshness.
- Toss the salad gently to keep plant-based mozzarella pieces intact.
- Adjust salt and pepper gradually across preparation for balanced seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caprese salad, quinoa salad, plant-based mozzarella, Mediterranean salad, gluten free pasta salad, healthy salad, light meal, refreshing salad
