Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Caprese Pasta Salad with Prosciutto

Prep Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients  

Marinated Ciliegine (Mozzarella Balls)

  • 8 ounces ciliegine, small fresh mozzarella balls
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons basil
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced or torn into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

Marinated Ciliegine (Mozzarella Balls)

  • In a small bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
  • Add the ciliegine and stir to coat.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
  • Allow the marinated bocconcini to come to room temperature before adding to the pasta salad.

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • In a large saucepan cook the pasta until it is al dente following the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water then set aside.
  • In a large bowl add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, basil, prosciutto, and the marinated ciliegine including the olive oil and herbs.
  • Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and gently toss. Taste and add additional salt or herbs to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

1. Dried basil can be substituted for fresh basil. Approximately 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh.
2. Dried oregano can be substituted for fresh oregano Approximately 1 teaspoon of dried oregano is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh.
3. Any short pasta will work but look for bronze-cut pasta or bronze-die pasta.
4. The prosciutto can be substituted with any type of dried salami or pepperoni or even chicken.
5. Not all olive oil is created equal so use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.  
6. Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. The nutritional value is only for Caprese Pasta Salad. It does not include the nutrition for any substitutions.
7. Be sure to check out the Key Ingredients along with the Recipe Tips and Notes sections found in the post, for more tips, options, substitutions, and variations for this recipe! You will also find step-by-step photos there.