Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne recommended); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained; ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

I first tried Caprese Pasta Salad at a family barbecue, and it quickly became a staple at every gathering since. The combination of fresh ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze makes this dish incredibly refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect salad for summer but also works well year-round. What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes amazing. My family can’t get enough of it, and it’s always the first dish to disappear at any party or potluck.

Why You’ll Love Caprese Pasta Salad

Refreshing and Flavorful: The burst of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil makes this salad incredibly refreshing, while the balsamic glaze adds the perfect touch of tang and sweetness.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delightful salad. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and can be made in advance for convenience.
Customizable: While the classic Caprese ingredients are delicious on their own, you can easily modify this salad by adding ingredients like olives, arugula, or even grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or as a side dish for dinner, this pasta salad will always impress. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both chilled or at room temperature.
Healthy and Satisfying: This salad is packed with fresh ingredients and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nourishing option that’s also light enough for summer meals or as a side dish to pair with grilled meats.

Ingredients

To make Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll need:

Pasta: 12 ounces (fusilli, bowtie, or penne recommended)
Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
Fresh mozzarella balls: 1 cup, drained (use bocconcini or ciliegine)
Fresh basil: ½ cup, roughly chopped
Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup
Balsamic glaze: 2 tablespoons
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice (fusilli, bowtie, or penne work great) and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from becoming too soft or mushy. After rinsing, set the pasta aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta is cooling, you can prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess, while the garlic and olive oil bring in flavor and richness. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, drained mozzarella balls, and roughly chopped fresh basil. The mozzarella should be bite-sized, so if you’re using larger mozzarella balls, consider cutting them in half. Add the prepared dressing over the ingredients.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two spoons to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This is the step where the magic happens—when the flavors meld together. Once everything is well combined, transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 10 minutes. This will help the salad to cool and let the flavors settle.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, give the salad a final toss to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed. For an extra burst of flavor and presentation, drizzle some more balsamic glaze on top. This step is optional, but it gives the salad a gorgeous finish. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300–350 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 10g

(Note: The actual nutrition content may vary depending on the brands and types of ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling pasta)
Chill Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (includes cooling and chilling)

How to Serve

As a Side Dish: This Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect as a side dish for any meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
For a Picnic or Potluck: Its portability and ease of making it in advance make this salad an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings and potlucks.
As a Light Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a light, refreshing lunch or dinner, especially on warm days when you’re craving something cool and satisfying.
With Grilled Vegetables: For a vegetarian meal, pair it with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best texture and flavor, go for fresh mozzarella balls. If you can find bocconcini or ciliegine, they work perfectly in this salad.
Customize with Extra Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like black olives, arugula, or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad.
Make It in Advance: This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it chilled and add the fresh basil right before serving to prevent it from wilting.
Try Different Pastas: While fusilli, penne, and bowtie are recommended, you can use any pasta shape you like. Spiral shapes like rotini will hold the dressing well, but short pastas like macaroni work too.
Adjust the Balsamic Glaze: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of balsamic glaze used. A little more will add a sweeter kick, while less will let the olive oil shine through more.

FAQ

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella? While regular mozzarella can be used, fresh mozzarella gives the salad a creamier texture and a more authentic Caprese flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. Just make sure to refrigerate it and add the basil right before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I add protein to the salad? Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be added to make this salad more filling.
Can I use a different kind of pasta? Absolutely! While fusilli, bowtie, and penne work well, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, like rotini, farfalle, or fusilli.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if dried basil is what you have on hand, use a small amount—about 1-2 teaspoons.
How do I make this salad spicier? If you like a bit of spice, you can add some red pepper flakes or even a few slices of fresh chili to the salad.
Can I use a different dressing? If you prefer a different dressing, you can swap the balsamic glaze for a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy Italian dressing.
What can I substitute for balsamic glaze? If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar by simmering it on the stove until it thickens, or just use regular balsamic vinegar for a tangier flavor.
Can I freeze the salad? Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients like mozzarella and basil. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after refrigerating.
What can I serve this salad with? This Caprese Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone dish with a side of fresh bread.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta Salad is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings the classic Caprese flavors to a new, satisfying level. With fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal. It’s light yet hearty, refreshing yet rich, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, a potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is a must-try. Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of summer any time of the year!