Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz. pasta (suggestions: fusilli or bowtie) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) When making Caprese Pasta Salad, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. You start with 8 ounces of pasta, like fusilli or bowtie. These shapes hold the dressing well and look great on the plate. Next, I add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella. Speaking of mozzarella, I use 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, known as bocconcini. They are soft and add a lovely texture. For flavor, I chop 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves. Basil is key to this dish, giving it a fresh taste. I mix in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This oil brings richness and helps the flavors blend. I also drizzle in 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. This adds a sweet tang that ties everything together. To season, I mince 1 clove of garlic. Garlic adds depth to the salad. I finish with salt and pepper to taste, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. These ingredients create a bright, colorful salad. The full recipe brings all these elements together in a delicious way! 1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. 2. Add a good amount of salt to the water. 3. Once boiling, add 8 oz. of pasta. Fusilli or bowtie works best. 4. Cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 5. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. 6. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Set the pasta aside. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the following: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 clove garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat 2. Mix well until it becomes smooth. 1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. 2. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of mozzarella balls. 3. Add 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. 4. Pour the dressing over the mixture. 5. Gently toss everything together until well coated. 6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. 7. If you prefer, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. 8. Serve in a large bowl and enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad! For the detailed method, check the Full Recipe. To achieve the best flavor balance in your Caprese Pasta Salad, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The cherry tomatoes should be ripe and sweet. Look for mozzarella that is soft and creamy. The basil should be fresh and fragrant. Combine these with a good olive oil and balsamic glaze for a rich taste. Choosing the right pasta shape is key to a great salad. I recommend fusilli or bowtie pasta. These shapes hold the dressing well and catch bits of tomato and cheese. They also add a fun texture, making each bite delightful. Presentation matters! Serve your salad in a large, colorful bowl. This draws the eye and makes the dish more inviting. Garnish with extra basil leaves on top. You can also drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze over the salad before serving. This adds a nice shine and extra flavor. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve the flavors and textures. If you want the best taste, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. It tastes great and fits well in this salad. There are many brands that offer gluten-free shapes, like rotini or penne. If you want to make this dish vegan, you can skip the mozzarella. Instead, consider using tofu or vegan cheese. They add creaminess and flavor without dairy. You can switch up the tomatoes, too! Heirloom tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. You may also try different cheeses like burrata or feta for a twist. Adding protein is an easy way to make this salad a meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can toss them in with the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. While the classic dressing is delicious, you can try different ones for a new taste. A lemon vinaigrette can brighten the salad. You can mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing change. Using fresh herbs is another way to enhance the flavor. You might add parsley or chives for an extra burst. They can bring new layers to your Caprese Pasta Salad. To keep your Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. If you store it correctly, it can last for 3 to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing Caprese Pasta Salad. Freezing changes the texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella. If you must freeze it, try separating the dressing from the salad. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then add the dressing before serving. When you take the salad out of the fridge, it might look a bit sad. To revive it, add a splash of olive oil and a bit more balsamic glaze. Toss it gently to mix everything again. For the best taste, serve it cold. Keep the salad fresh by storing it in the fridge until you're ready to eat. To make Caprese Pasta Salad, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water, add salt, and cook 8 oz. pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. 3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup roughly chopped basil. 4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mix and toss until well coated. 5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze as needed. 6. Chill (Optional): Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes for better flavor. 7. Serve: Toss again before serving and enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad. Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep Pasta and Dressing: Cook the pasta and make the dressing a day before serving. - Store Separately: Keep the pasta, dressing, and fresh ingredients in separate containers. This helps maintain the salad's freshness. - Combine Before Serving: When ready, mix everything together. This ensures the pasta and veggies stay crisp. If you need a mozzarella substitute, consider these options: - Feta Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture. - Ricotta Cheese: A softer choice that blends well. - Vegan Cheese: Great for plant-based diets; choose a flavor you enjoy. - Cottage Cheese: A lighter option that works well with the salad. For the best dressing results, follow these tips: - Timing: Dress the salad just before serving. This keeps the ingredients fresh. - Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. - Taste Test: Adjust flavors before serving. Add salt or balsamic glaze if needed. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad. This blog post covers how to create a delicious Caprese Pasta Salad. We explored the main ingredients, like pasta, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella. You learned step-by-step instructions, seasoning tips, and ways to store your salad. We also discussed variations and substitutions for different diets. In wrapping up, this salad is bright, fresh, and easy to make. Enjoy customizing it to fit your tastes. Be bold in mixing flavors and have fun!$

Discover the vibrant flavors of summer with this easy Caprese Pasta Salad recipe! Featuring fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this delicious dish is perfect for picnics or light lunches. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a refreshing salad that will impress your guests. Ready to elevate your meal?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz. pasta (fusilli or bowtie works best)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze as desired.

Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve: Toss the salad again before serving, and enjoy your refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, beautiful bowl with extra basil leaves on top for garnish. You can also drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze over the salad before serving for added flair.