This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a colorful dish that mixes pasta, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s perfect for warm days!
I love making this salad because it takes just a few minutes to throw together! Plus, who can resist that creamy mozzarella? It’s like a little party in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using orecchiette for its fun shape that holds the dressing well. If you can’t find it, any short pasta like farfalle or penne works great too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixing different colored tomatoes adds color and sweetness. If they’re out of season, you could use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes instead.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine are fantastic choices. If you want a lower-fat option, try using part-skim mozzarella. For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan mozzarella alternatives.
Fresh Basil: Basil is key for that classic Caprese flavor. If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use a small amount of dried basil, though fresh is always better.
Balsamic Vinegar: It adds a nice tang. If you’re out, try using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead. You might even like a squeeze of lemon juice!
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta perfectly is crucial for your salad’s texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use plenty of water and add salt before boiling. This helps season the pasta.
- Cook until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Check the package for the cooking time.
- After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from getting mushy.
Personal tip: If you want a little flavor boost, you can add a splash of olive oil to the pasta after rinsing to keep it from sticking together!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange if possible)
Cheese and Herbs:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and delicious dish for lunch or a light dinner. If you choose to let it chill in the fridge before serving, it’s best to do so for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. So, in total, expect about 15-45 minutes depending on chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm, but not hard). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside to drain completely.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. Make sure the pasta is cool so it doesn’t melt the cheese!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if you choose to use it), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will create a simple but flavorful dressing.
4. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Add Fresh Basil:
Toss in the thinly sliced fresh basil and gently fold it into the salad. You want to make sure it’s mixed well, but be careful not to break the mozzarella balls!
6. Final Touches:
Take a moment to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Then, garnish with extra basil leaves and a pinch of red chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Caprese Pasta Salad immediately for the best flavor, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to let the flavors develop even more. Either way, this dish is sure to impress!
This vibrant and fresh Caprese Pasta Salad perfectly combines the classic Italian flavors of mozzarella, basil, and tomato with al dente pasta in a simple, delicious way. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance. Just toss the ingredients together, following the instructions, and then chill it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To refresh the salad when serving, give it a little toss and add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of vinegar if needed.
Can I Customize This Salad with Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for a heartier salad. Just be mindful of balancing flavors to maintain that classic Caprese taste.
