Van Life Caprese Pasta Salad
Tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette—an Italian-inspired salad that’s easy to prep in a van or at a picnic table.
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Colander
- Bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta fusilli or penne
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls bocconcini, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Toss again and season with salt and pepper.
- Chill in cooler or serve immediately.
Notes
This salad travels well and can be made ahead for easy lunches on the road. Pre-cooked pasta saves fuel and assembly time in the van.