This Caprese Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for any picnic or get-together!
Who doesn’t love a salad that feels like an Italian party on a plate? I often make it in a big bowl just so I can sneak leftovers for lunch. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using orecchiette for its unique shape that holds onto the dressing and ingredients. However, any pasta you enjoy, like fusilli or penne, can work well.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes not only tastes great but also looks vibrant. If they’re out of season, substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine are both perfect choices for this salad. If you’re dairy-free, try using marinated tofu or vegan mozzarella for a similar texture.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for flavor! If you’re out, you can use parsley or even a pinch of dried oregano, though it won’t be quite the same.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a lovely tang. You can swap it for red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though adjust the amount to taste.
How Can You Perfectly Cook Pasta for Your Salad?
Cooking pasta just right is crucial for a great salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Always boil your pasta in plenty of salted water. This adds flavor right into the pasta.
- Cook it until it’s al dente; it should have a slight bite. Check the package for timing.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking and helps it cool down quickly.
- Let it sit in the colander until fully cooled to avoid unwanted mushiness in your salad.
How to Make Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz orecchiette or any pasta of your choice
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red, yellow, and orange for color)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Caprese Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You can let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes after making it, which helps the flavors blend beautifully. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the orecchiette (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, torn basil leaves, and the cooled pasta. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it well—this salad is all about colorful ingredients!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic (if you like it), and some salt and pepper. This dressing adds a nice zing to your salad!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste! If it needs a little more flavor, go ahead and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar. Flavors are important!
6. Serve or Chill:
You can serve your Caprese Pasta Salad right away for a fresh bite, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors to meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes cook at different rates.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! It’s actually a great idea to prepare it a few hours in advance or the night before. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy. If you have leftover salad, also feel free to add some extra fresh basil or tomatoes before serving to brighten it up!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil as a substitute. However, you’ll need much less—about 1 teaspoon should do the trick. Alternatively, consider using other fresh herbs like parsley or arugula for a different flavor profile!
