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Easy Make-Ahead Caprese Pasta Jar Salads Perfect for Picnic Meals

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These Caprese pasta jar salads are a fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free picnic meal that layers pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in jars to keep everything crisp and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), bite-sized
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ons: baby spinach or arugula, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, tear or leave whole 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, and drain 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls. Wash and dry any optional greens if using.
  5. Layer the jars starting with a few spoonfuls of dressed pasta at the bottom, then add a layer of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Repeat layers if desired. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top.
  6. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, gently shake the jar or pour contents into a bowl and toss to mix the dressing evenly.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and cool quickly. Layer dressing mixed with pasta first to avoid soggy salad. Add basil just before serving to keep it fresh. Store jars in fridge up to 3 days. For longer picnics, keep jars in a cooler with ice packs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, pasta salad, picnic food, make-ahead, easy recipe, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, balsamic, healthy salad

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