Experience the delightful fusion of traditional Caprese flavors with hearty pasta in this refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad. Combining ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this dish offers a burst of summer in every bite. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal, it’s both simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella creates a vibrant and refreshing taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and minimal cooking, this salad comes together quickly.
- Versatile: Ideal as a side dish, main course, or a contribution to gatherings and potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a great option for preparing in advance.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 2½ cups) dried pasta (such as farfalle or rotini)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (small mozzarella balls)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced fresh basil.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad more substantial.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Add ingredients like avocado, roasted red peppers, or red onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
- Grain Substitute: Replace pasta with quinoa or farro for a whole-grain option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. To prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing, consider tossing it with half of the vinaigrette initially and adding the remaining just before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like farfalle (bowtie), rotini, or penne are ideal as they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While balsamic vinegar provides a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different taste.
Is it necessary to rinse the pasta after cooking?
Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad. It also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
How can I prevent the basil from wilting?
Add the fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and prevent wilting.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes can be a flavorful alternative. Ensure they are rehydrated if using dry-packed, or use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added richness.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can create a simple blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal parts.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Caprese Pasta Salad is vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make the salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Absolutely! Toasted pine nuts or
Print
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is boiled)
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Caprese Pasta Salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal, side dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2½ cups) dried pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls (small mozzarella balls)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Set aside. - Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. - Serve:
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Toss the salad with half of the vinaigrette initially and add the rest before serving to keep it fresh.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make this a complete meal.
- Vegetable Variations: Try adding avocado, roasted red peppers, or red onions.
- Cheese Substitutions: Use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
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