This colorful Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Tossed with a splash of olive oil and a hint of balsamic, it’s simply refreshing!
You know what I love? It takes just minutes to whip up! Perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners. Plus, you can eat it cold – a win-win if you ask me! 🍅🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Any pasta works, but I love using orecchiette as its shape catches sauce and veggies well. If you’re out of that, penne or fusilli are great alternatives too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color and sweetness. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned diced tomatoes can work but drain them well to avoid sogginess.
Fresh Mozzarella: I recommend bocconcini for their bite-size convenience. Alternatives could include diced block mozzarella or even feta for a tangy twist.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that iconic Caprese taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can use parsley or even spinach. Dried basil can work in a pinch too but use it sparingly.
Balsamic Vinegar: While balsamic adds a sweet kick, red wine vinegar or even lemon juice can give a different but tasty zing. Just remember that vinegar varieties vary in strength!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Stays Perfectly Fresh?
To keep your pasta salad fresh and tasty, the timing of when to mix ingredients is important. You want the flavors to blend but not get soggy.
- Cook the pasta al dente and rinse it! This will stop the cooking and keep it from getting mushy.
- Make the dressing and store it separately until you’re ready to serve. This keeps your salad from getting watery.
- Combine everything just before serving or let it chill in the fridge for up to two hours. This time helps flavors mingle nicely without over-soaking the pasta.
Best Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (orecchiette or your choice)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved, a mix of red and yellow)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn or roughly chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend some time cooking the pasta and mixing the salad ingredients. If you let it chill in the fridge for up to two hours, it will help the flavors blend nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Put it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. This is where the delicious colors and fresh flavors come together!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure it’s mixed well until it’s emulsified and all the ingredients are combined smoothly.
4. Combine It All:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently together until well mixed. You want to ensure the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with that tasty dressing!
5. Final Touches:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like.
6. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad right away, or if you have time, place it in the fridge for up to two hours. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your fresh and zesty Caprese Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, you can substitute any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Caprese pasta salad vegan, simply omit the fresh mozzarella and use a plant-based cheese alternative or even some diced avocado for creaminess. The flavor will still be delicious with the fresh ingredients and dressing!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance! Prepare all the ingredients and mix everything except for the dressing. Store the pasta salad and dressing separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine them for the freshest taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, which is great, but if the pasta absorbs too much dressing, simply drizzle a little more olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving again!
