Caprese Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and pasta, making it a satisfying yet light dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is classic and beloved, and when paired with the richness of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to suit your preferences, and it can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal or gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

2. Prepare the vegetables and cheese: While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes, dice the mozzarella, and chop the basil.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and toss everything together gently to combine.

4. Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Chill and serve: For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, but it can also be enjoyed immediately if you're short on time.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes (if chilling, add 30 minutes)

Variations

• Add protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad.

• Swap the pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if preferred or opt for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.

• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.

• Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds can give the salad a delightful crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If it has been stored, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving again to allow the flavors to come back together.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this salad?

Yes! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works great. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.

2. Can I make this Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually recommended to let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. You can prepare it a few hours in advance.

3. Can I use mozzarella balls instead of diced mozzarella?

Definitely! Small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) can be used for a nice bite-sized option.

4. Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will differ slightly.

5. Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be added to make the dish more filling.

6. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but you can use dried basil as a substitute in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every ¼ cup of fresh basil.

7. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, consume within that time frame.

8. Can I make this recipe without tomatoes?

Yes! You can omit tomatoes if you prefer or substitute them with another vegetable, like cucumbers or bell peppers.

9. Can I add a creamy dressing to this salad?

Absolutely! If you prefer a creamy dressing, you can add a bit of mayonnaise, sour cream, or a simple yogurt-based dressing.

10. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While balsamic is traditional, you can experiment with other vinegars like red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even lemon juice for a different twist.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a picnic treat, or a side dish for dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salad is not only delicious but also a breeze to make.

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Caprese Pasta Salad

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Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the simplicity of traditional Caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta. It features fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a balsamic glaze dressing, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light lunch.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes (if chilling, add 30 minutes)
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling, Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes, dice the mozzarella, and chop the basil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and toss everything together gently to combine.
4. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving, but it can also be enjoyed immediately if you're short on time.

Notes

• Add protein by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
• For a low-carb version, swap pasta for spiralized zucchini.
• Toast pine nuts or chopped almonds for a delightful crunch.
• For a creamy version, add mayonnaise, sour cream, or a yogurt-based dressing.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg