You know I love putting a fun twist on classic dishes, and this Caprese pasta salad is my latest obsession! It’s full of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and balsamic vinaigrette.
While the traditional Caprese salad is meant to be eaten fresh, this pasta version actually gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld.
It’s the ideal make-ahead dish, so it’s perfect for potlucks and cookouts.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of summer in every refreshing forkful. Buon appetito, friends!
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad
Quick Preparation: It can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even a picnic staple. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various occasions.
Vibrant Presentation: The combination of colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls is full of gorgeous colors.
Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh basil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and creamy mozzarella creates an explosion of flavors.
Ingredients
- Farfalle Pasta: The perfect vessel for capturing the fresh flavors in every bite.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: They infuse the pasta with summer freshness. Slice them in half to release their flavorful juices.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Their soft texture is a delight in every mouthful.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: They brighten the whole dish. Tear them into pieces to release their peppery aroma.
- Dressing: A simple combination of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning unites all the ingredients.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
This pasta salad couldn’t be easier, making it perfect for any gathering.
1. Cook the pasta. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the ingredients. To the bowl with the pasta, add the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine everything.
4. Adjust the seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Follow these tips for a pasta salad you’ll never forget.
- Pick the right pasta. Use short pasta shapes like farfalle, fusilli, rotini, or penne that have nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing.
- Mix up the mozzarella. If you can’t find small mozzarella balls, use a larger fresh mozzarella ball and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Bocconcini or mozzarella pearls also work well.
- The riper, the better. Choose ripe, sweet cherry, or grape tomatoes for the best flavor. Cut them in half so they release some juices into the salad.
- Leave it alone. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Go wild with garnishes. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving for added flavor. Garnish with more fresh basil.
- Turn it into a meal. Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, steak, or Italian sausages for a complete meal. It’s also delicious with crusty bread.
How to Store
Leftovers of this pasta salad will keep well. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for 2-3 days.
For optimal texture, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing it about 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
If the salad seems dry after storage, refresh it with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic
Caprese Pasta Salad
6
servings10
minutes10
minutes284
kcalThis Caprese pasta salad is full of color and flavor! It has all the classic Caprese elements, including mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Ingredients
8 oz farfalle or other short pasta
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to make the dressing.
- To the bowl with the pasta, add the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to combine everything.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Just before serving, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired. Garnish with additional fresh basil. Enjoy!
