Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Sunshine on a plate, that’s the best way to describe Caprese Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish brings together tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a velvety olive oil and balsamic dressing. Whether you’re savoring it at a backyard picnic or enjoying a speedy weeknight dinner, Caprese Pasta Salad is a joyful celebration of Italian flavor and fresh summer produce, guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Caprese Pasta Salad truly irresistible is the simplicity of its ingredients. You don’t need much, but each element is essential, adding layers of taste, color, and texture that make every bite special.
- Bowtie or penne pasta (8 ounces): The perfect canvas for soaking up all the bold, tangy flavors in the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 1/2 cups, halved): Their sweetness and pop of color make every forkful juicy and vibrant.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini, 1 cup, halved): Creamy, mild, and totally irresistible, these melt in your mouth against the tangy tomatoes.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, torn or sliced): The signature aroma and flavor of Caprese—tear by hand for the best texture and fragrance.
- Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons): Lends richness and a fruity base to the dressing; quality truly shines here.
- Balsamic glaze or vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds that classic zing and smooth sweetness; a drizzle on top makes it extra lovely.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Brings an aromatic backbone to the dressing without overpowering the freshness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor, from the tomatoes to the cheese and herbs.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a gentle kick and round out the dish.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your bowtie or penne pasta according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Once it’s done, drain quickly and give it a cool rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking so the pasta stays pleasantly firm and prepares it for salad duty.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the pasta cools, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Gather up those fresh basil leaves and either tear them gently by hand or slice them thin—handling basil this way releases its aroma and keeps the leaves from bruising.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze (or vinegar), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. A good whisk ensures the oil and vinegar blend smoothly and the seasonings are evenly distributed, giving every forkful the perfect zing.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large serving bowl. Pour the flavorful dressing over the top and toss gently to coat, being careful not to break up the mozzarella or bruise the basil. This step is where everything comes together—it’s like mixing up pure sunshine!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the pasta to soak up the dressing and the ingredients to mingle happily. Just before serving, drizzle with a little more balsamic glaze if you like extra tangy sweetness. Enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature!
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A finishing touch can turn your Caprese Pasta Salad into something truly special. A few extra torn basil leaves scattered on top right before serving add fresh color and aroma. For extra elegance, a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it pop—like those gorgeous restaurant salads you see on Instagram.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with so many things! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or prosciutto for extra protein. It shines next to crusty bread or garlic knots, and also complements roasted veggies or a chilled soup for a fantastic summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try serving Caprese Pasta Salad in individual jars or glasses for picnics and parties. You can also thread halved mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil onto skewers and place them atop small pasta nests for a fun, finger-friendly twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caprese Pasta Salad keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your leftovers just as delightful the next day. If you plan on prepping it ahead, consider adding the basil and an extra splash of dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can technically freeze the pasta component. However, freezing cheese and tomatoes can affect their texture, causing them to become watery and mushy once thawed. For this reason, it’s best to skip freezing and simply enjoy the salad within a few days of making it.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Caprese Pasta Salad is absolutely delicious when served chilled or at room temperature. If the salad looks a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, just toss it with an extra splash of olive oil and a little fresh basil to perk it right up.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells will all work well and hold the dressing beautifully. The key is to pick a bite-sized shape that’s tender but still has a little chew.
Is it okay to use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes! Store-bought balsamic glaze is convenient and adds instant glossy sweetness. If you’re using balsamic vinegar instead, you’ll get a tangier flavor—both are delicious options for Caprese Pasta Salad.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Definitely. Toss in some grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal. The salad is wonderfully versatile and ready to adapt to whatever you’re craving.
How do I keep the basil from turning brown?
For the freshest flavor and brightest green color, add the basil just before serving. Tearing by hand instead of cutting it helps prevent bruising, which is the main reason basil turns brown.
Is Caprese Pasta Salad gluten free?
If you use your favorite gluten-free pasta, the entire salad easily becomes gluten free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so feel free to swap in what works best for you!
Final Thoughts
Caprese Pasta Salad is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s easy, refreshing, and full of those classic Italian flavors everyone loves. Grab some fresh basil and good mozzarella and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
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: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare the Salad: Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil to the pasta.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze 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
