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Capri Pasta Salad

Capri Summer Pasta Salad


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Francesco Romano
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

Description

The Capri-summer-salad uses the same approach as the Caprese – good ingredients, simply prepared. Roasted peppers, marinated artichokes, Italian tuna, and decent olive oil. The salad gets better as it sits, so you can make it ahead. Good for beach picnics or when you need to bring something to a party.

It comes together quickly, which is helpful when it’s too hot to cook much.


Ingredients

Scale

1lb (450g) Cellentani pasta

2 cans (4oz/113g each) Italian tuna in oil, drained

8oz (225g) sliced ham, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

12oz (340g) heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved

8oz (225g) provolone cheese, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2cup (50g) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

12oz (340g) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

12oz (340g) jar fire-roasted bell peppers, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4lb (340g) fresh green beans, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces

1carrot, blanched and diced into 1/4inch pieces

For the vinaigrette

1/3cup (80mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2Tbsp (30mL) to coat pasta

1/2red onion, finely diced

1Tbsp (15mL) balsamic vinegar

3tsp (15mL) white balsamic vinegar

2tsp salt

1tsp freshly ground black pepper


Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

  • Add the pasta and cook until just al dente — about 2 minutes less than the package directions.

  • Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.

  • Cover and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Vinaigrette

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, both vinegars, salt, pepper, and diced red onion.

  • Let sit at room temperature while preparing the rest of the salad. This helps mellow the onion and allows flavors to combine.

3. Prep the Vegetables and Cheese

  • Dice or halve all vegetables and cheeses as listed. Blanch the green beans and carrot briefly (1-2 minutes in boiling water, then into an ice bath), then dry thoroughly.

4. Marinate the Salad Base

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, provolone, artichokes, ham, roasted peppers, green beans, and carrot.

  • Pour the vinaigrette over and toss well to coat.

  • Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the vegetables absorb flavor.

5. Combine Pasta and Finish Salad

  • Let the pasta and marinated vegetables come to room temperature (about 30–60 minutes before serving).

  • Toss together with the drained tuna, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and any leftover vinaigrette from the bowl.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve cold or room temperature.

Notes

Use high-quality oil-packed tuna for best flavor.

You can swap Cellentani for fusilli, rotini, or penne.

To keep the salad vegetarian, omit the tuna and ham and double the artichokes and provolone.

The pasta and dressing can be made a day ahead; toss with fresh ingredients before serving.

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Tempering Time: 60 mins
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 Cups
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 45g