caprese pasta salad

There’s something truly special about a dish that combines vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This caprese pasta salad brings that magic right to your table. It’s a delightful mix of tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls. Then, a zesty balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together so beautifully.

I often find myself reaching for this recipe on busy weeknights. It’s a refreshing change of pace. Plus, it holds up so well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches too. My family always devours it, asking for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

This caprese pasta salad is a winner for so many reasons.

• So Quick: It comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh basil, sweet tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella are heavenly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, even picky eaters, loves this dish.
• Versatile: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light dinner.

It’s a truly satisfying and easy meal.

The Best caprese pasta salad Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this caprese pasta salad feels like assembling a bouquet of summer goodness. The combination of simple, fresh elements creates a flavor symphony that’s truly delightful.

Core Ingredients:

• Pasta: We start with fusilli, but any fun short pasta works wonderfully. It’s the perfect vehicle for all the delicious dressing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for easy eating, these little gems burst with sweetness. They add vibrant color too.
• Mozzarella Pearls: These small, soft balls of fresh mozzarella melt slightly in your mouth. They bring a creamy, mild richness to every bite.
• Fresh Basil: The star for that signature caprese flavor! We chiffonade it for maximum fragrance and distribution.

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality oil is key for a smooth, rich dressing base.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a lovely tang and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Garlic: Just a clove, minced, gives a subtle but essential aromatic punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

Substitutions and Tips:

Don’t have fusilli? Penne or rotini are great alternatives for this Italian pasta salad. If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, just cube a ball of fresh mozzarella. For a richer dressing, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a little zip. If fresh basil isn’t in season, dried basil works in a pinch, though fresh is really best for that authentic taste. You can also toss in some grilled chicken or avocado for extra heartiness.

How to Make caprese pasta salad

Making this caprese pasta salad is a breeze. You’ll have a refreshing Italian-American dish ready in no time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Cook the Pasta

First, cook your pasta. Use about eight ounces of fusilli or your favorite short pasta shape. Cook it according to the package directions. You want it to be perfectly al dente. That just means it should still have a slight bite.

Cool and Combine

Next, drain the cooked pasta well. Give it a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. You’ll need a large bowl for this. Add the cooled pasta to it. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Finally, add your creamy mozzarella pearls.

Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette

Now, let’s whip up the dressing. Grab a small bowl. Pour in your extra-virgin olive oil. Add three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Mince one clove of garlic finely. Add that to the bowl. Season with half a teaspoon of salt. And a quarter teaspoon of black pepper finishes it. Whisk it all together until well combined.

Dress the Salad

Pour this beautiful balsamic vinaigrette over your pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together. Make sure every piece is coated. You want that delicious dressing on all the ingredients. This step really brings the flavors to life.

Add the Fresh Basil

The final touch is crucial. Just before serving, stir in your fresh basil. Be gentle so you don’t bruise the leaves. Chiffonade the basil first for the best distribution. This adds that signature, wonderful aroma. Your vibrant caprese pasta salad is now ready!

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How to Store caprese pasta salad

Properly storing this delightful caprese pasta salad is key. You want to maintain its freshness. Store leftover salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It typically stays good for about 2–3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time. This makes it even tastier the next day!

Avoid storing it with the basil if possible. Add fresh basil right before serving again. This keeps the basil vibrant and green. If you add other ingredients later, like grilled chicken, store them separately. This ensures everything stays at its best. Enjoy your delicious, prepped Italian pasta salad!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key.
• Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking.
• Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Chiffonade basil right before serving for peak freshness.
• Allow flavors to meld by chilling for 30 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for cooking pasta.
• Colander for draining.
• Large serving bowl.
• Small bowl or jar for dressing.
• Whisk or fork.
• Sharp knife and cutting board.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• Offer crusty bread for soaking up extra dressing.
• Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color.
• It’s a perfect side for summer BBQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this caprese pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Making this caprese pasta salad ahead is a fantastic idea. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits. Just remember to add the fresh basil right before serving to keep it vibrant and green.

What kind of pasta is best for caprese pasta salad?

While fusilli is my go-to for this Italian pasta salad, any short, sturdy pasta works well. Think rotini, penne, or even farfalle. The key is a shape that can grab onto the dressing and hold all those delicious bits.

Can I substitute the mozzarella pearls?

Certainly! If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, no problem. Just use a ball of fresh mozzarella. Cut it into small cubes. It will give you that lovely creamy texture that makes this salad so special.

How can I make the balsamic vinaigrette richer?

For a richer, more complex vinaigrette, try adding a little something extra. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard really enhances the flavor. You could also a touch of honey or a pinch of dried oregano for more depth.