This Best Caprese Pasta Salad brings together yummy pasta, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s colorful, tasty, and super easy to make!
You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for picnics or as a side dish. I love how the flavors pop in every bite—freshness at its best! 🍅🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is perfect for capturing the dressing and veggies. If you don’t have it, try penne or farfalle. Any pasta shape you love works here!
Cherry Tomatoes: I enjoy using mixed colors for a vibrant look. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes will work just fine.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini adds a nice creaminess. If that’s out of reach, you can opt for cubed mozzarella or even a dairy-free version if needed.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that traditional Caprese flavor. Dried basil won’t give you the same freshness, but in a pinch, use it sparingly.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds tang, but you can substitute red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Pasta?
Cooking pasta to al dente is essential for salads. This means you want it tender but still firm enough to hold its shape. Follow these steps:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes.
- Test a piece a minute or so before the time is up – it should have a slight bite. Drain it, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
This cooling step is crucial so pasta doesn’t become mushy in the salad.
Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (mixed colors, halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for added spice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the pasta and mixing everything together, and then just a few more minutes letting it sit to let those wonderful flavors combine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). When it’s done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down. This prevents it from sticking together!
2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
While the pasta is cooling, grab a big mixing bowl. In it, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, drained mozzarella balls, and the torn basil leaves. This colorful mix will really brighten up your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely combined. This dressing will add so much flavor to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently, making sure all the ingredients get well coated. It should look deliciously colorful!
5. Adjust Seasonings:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. It’s all about making it just right for you!
6. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully. If you prefer, you can also chill it in the fridge for later!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Caprese Pasta Salad is ready! Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and don’t forget to garnish with extra basil leaves if you want to make it look extra lovely. Enjoy each delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works well, you can substitute it with any pasta of your choice, like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
This salad can definitely be prepared in advance! You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. If the pasta absorbs the dressing too much, consider saving a little dressing to add right before serving for extra flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them within 3 days for the best flavor. If the salad seems dry after being in the fridge, just drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic vinegar over it before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Caprese pasta salad. You can add ingredients like sliced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or even avocado for extra creaminess. Just keep in mind that these may change the flavor profile slightly!
