This Caprese Pasta Salad is a yummy mix of pasta, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s perfect for warm days or when you just want something light and tasty!
Honestly, it feels like eating summer in a bowl! I love tossing it together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for picnics or a cozy dinner at home—everyone loves it! 🍅🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is my favorite for this salad as it holds the dressing well. You can swap it out for any pasta you like such as fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for variety in color and taste. If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes are a good substitute. You can even use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are perfect for that creamy texture. However, you can use cubed regular mozzarella or even feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Basil: Fresh basil adds that lovely aromatic touch. If you can’t find basil, consider using spinach or arugula for a different green edge. Dried herbs won’t have the same impact but can work in a pinch.
How Do You Make the Perfect Dressing for Your Pasta Salad?
Making the dressing is key to elevating your pasta salad. It’s simple but needs the right balance of flavors. You want a dressing that’s tangy from balsamic but also smooth and rich from the olive oil.
- Start by whisking olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in a bowl until combined.
- Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and give it a good whisk again. You can adjust the vinegar to taste, depending on how tangy you like it.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. It’s best to do this right before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much dressing.
Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette or your choice of pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Gently mix everything together, so the ingredients are well distributed.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful dressing for the salad.
4. Toss It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are coated. Be careful not to crush the mozzarella balls!
5. Season and Adjust:
Give it a taste! Sometimes, you might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Adjust to your liking!
6. Chill and Serve:
You can serve the salad right away, but for even better flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, feel free to garnish with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy your refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Bowtie (farfalle), rotini, or even whole wheat pasta are excellent alternatives. Just make sure to cook it until al dente!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella?
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use diced regular mozzarella cheese or even feta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad may get a bit soggy as it sits, but it’s still delicious. You can add a bit more olive oil or fresh basil when serving again to revive it!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! It’s actually better if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving!
