Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh, bright, and irresistibly summery, Caprese Pasta Salad brings together everything we crave in a single forkful: juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and perfectly dressed al dente pasta. Whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic, planning a lazy Sunday lunch, or just needing a gorgeous side for your weeknight dinner, this dish pulls it all together with Italian-inspired flair. The colors alone are enough to make you swoon, but the real magic happens when those flavors meld during a short chill in the fridge—every bite feels like a mini escape to a sun-soaked garden party. Once you try this Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll find yourself searching for new reasons to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caprese Pasta Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, playing off the others to create something truly special. Don’t be shy about using the best tomatoes and basil you can find; every element matters for capturing that classic caprese flavor!
- Bowtie or Penne Pasta: Choose a short, sturdy pasta that clings to the dressing and doesn’t overpower the delicate extras.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes—halved for bite-sized bursts of juicy color and flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): These gentle, creamy gems make every bite special; halve them for the perfect ratio.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Tear them by hand for the most aromatic, rustic touch—never underestimate the power of fresh basil!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a quality olive oil to give the salad that signature silky, fruity backbone.
- Balsamic Glaze or Vinegar: Balsamic brings a tangy-sweet complexity; glaze adds a little extra drama on top if desired.
- Garlic Clove: Just one clove, minced, wakes up the dressing with a gentle, fragrant kick.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors—start small and adjust to taste.
- Ground Black Pepper: A pinch adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the freshness.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice (bowtie or penne both work beautifully) until just al dente—think tender, but still holding their shape. Drain thoroughly, then rinse under cold water. This quick chill halts the cooking (no mushy pasta here!) and ensures the salad stays delightfully fresh and light. Transfer the cooled pasta to a spacious mixing bowl so you have plenty of room to toss everything together later.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta cools, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Tearing the basil leaves instead of slicing them may sound fussy, but it actually helps to release all those fragrant essential oils, sending your Caprese Pasta Salad aroma sky-high. If your bocconcini are larger, don’t hesitate to cut them into quarters for perfect bite-sized pieces in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or a handy little mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and tweak as needed—the dressing should feel bright, slightly tangy, and full of character. Using a jar makes it extra easy to shake the dressing until silky-smooth and fully emulsified!
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pile the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil right onto your waiting pasta. Give the dressing a final whisk or shake, then pour it over the lot. Gently toss everything together—using a big spoon or your clean hands helps to coat every noodle and leaf without bruising those beautiful ingredients. At this point, the colors alone will have you swooning!
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Patience pays off here: Cover your Caprese Pasta Salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and develop that irresistible, harmonious blend. Just before serving, add an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gorgeous finish and a hit of extra flavor.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of torn basil and, if you’re feeling fancy, a little fresh-cracked black pepper or flaky sea salt adds a restaurant-style flourish. For even more drama, a final drizzle of balsamic glaze makes everything glisten and intensifies the flavor.
Side Dishes
Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect with simple, rustic accompaniments like warm crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a light green salad. If you want to make it a meal, pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a protein-packed plate that still feels light and summery.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual mason jars at a picnic, spoon into chic glass bowls for a dinner party, or pile it high on a big, beautiful platter to let those vibrant colors steal the show. If you’re feeling festive, tuck in a few edible flowers or skewers for fresh, grab-and-go fun at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a quick and easy lunch option for busy days! You might want to toss in a handful of fresh basil just before serving again to keep everything tasting garden-bright.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for this salad—mozzarella and tomatoes tend to lose their texture and freshness after thawing—you can prep the pasta ahead and freeze that portion if necessary. Simply add the tomatoes, cheese, and basil after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
Caprese Pasta Salad is absolutely best served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off, simply allow it to sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Heating in the microwave isn’t recommended, as it can wilt the basil and soften the cheese too much.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta for Caprese Pasta Salad?
While bowtie and penne are both perfect thanks to their ability to hold onto the dressing and mix-ins, you can use any short variety you love—like fusilli or rotini! Just avoid long noodles so every bite includes all the good stuff.
What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is reduced and sweetened balsamic vinegar, making it thicker and more intense—perfect for drizzling. If you only have balsamic vinegar, that works well too; the flavor will be a tad lighter but still delicious.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sliced prosciutto, or even canned chickpeas are all wonderful additions if you want your Caprese Pasta Salad to eat like a full meal.
How far ahead can I make Caprese Pasta Salad?
You can make this salad up to a day ahead. Just add a touch of fresh basil before serving and refresh with a quick toss to redistribute all those delicious juices and dressing.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
To keep all the freshness and flavor, replace mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, or add marinated artichokes or white beans for a creamy touch without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about Caprese Pasta Salad that instantly brightens any table. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just getting started, you’ll love how easy and satisfying this recipe is to make—and even more to share. Go ahead, give it a try, and let it become your new go-to for sunny days and happy gatherings!
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad that combines the classic Italian flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with pasta, tossed in a balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces bowtie or penne pasta
Salad:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water and transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare Salad: Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the pasta.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle with more balsamic if desired.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or prosciutto for extra protein.
- Tear basil by hand for best texture.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
