This colorful Caprese Pasta Salad mixes fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil with pasta. It’s a light and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Making this salad is a breeze—just cook the pasta, add the goodies, and toss! I love serving it cold on hot days, and it always gets gobbled up quickly! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using orecchiette, as its shape holds the dressing and ingredients beautifully. If you can’t find it, any small pasta like penne, farfalle, or even rotini would be great substitutes!
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes not only gives a beautiful look but also adds a range of flavors. If you can’t find them, use any sweet tomatoes like grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes in a pinch.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine are my favorites due to their size and tenderness. If you’re dairy-free, consider vegan mozzarella or cubed avocado for creaminess.
Fresh Basil: Basil is the star here! If you don’t have fresh basil, you might try fresh parsley or arugula. Dried basil can work in a bind, but fresh is preferred for flavor.
How Do You Cook Perfect Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad requires a few extra steps to ensure the perfect texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Cook the pasta until just al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. This helps avoid mushy pasta.
- Once done, drain and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.
- Make sure to drain thoroughly to prevent a watery salad!
Following these steps will give you pasta with the ideal texture for your Caprese salad!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for color)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped plus whole leaves for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caprese pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 30 minutes to chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. In total, you’ll be ready to serve in just under 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Make sure to drain it well to avoid any extra water in your salad.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. These colorful ingredients will not only create a beautiful salad but also add freshness and flavor!
3. Adding the Dressing:
Next, add the minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and balsamic vinegar if you’re using it. Gently toss everything together to combine all the ingredients well without breaking the mozzarella balls.
4. Seasoning the Salad:
Now, fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a little extra zing, feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to your liking.
5. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors mix and enhances the taste of the salad.
6. Final Touches Before Serving:
Before serving, give your salad a gentle toss to mix everything again. Garnish with whole basil leaves for a lovely presentation, and sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top if you enjoy a bit of heat.
7. Time to Serve!
Serve your Caprese pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a refreshing meal at home. Enjoy this vibrant and easy-to-make salad!
FAQ About Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the orecchiette pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Caprese pasta salad!
How Long Will This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release some moisture, so it’s best to consume it relatively quickly for optimal freshness.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients like spinach, arugula, grilled chicken, or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. The beauty of this salad is its versatility!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
To serve leftovers, simply give the salad a gentle toss before enjoying it. If it seems a bit dry, drizzle with a little more olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving. You can enjoy it directly from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature for a few minutes for the best flavor!
