Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that simply screams summer, this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Perfectly cooked pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh bursting basil, all lightly cloaked in a zippy balsamic vinaigrette—there’s nothing quite like it! It whips up in a flash and brings together all the best flavors of the classic Caprese salad in a hearty, satisfying pasta bowl. Whether you need an easy lunch, a picnic hero, or a gorgeous side dish, this salad delivers big time on flavor, color, and versatility.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s true magic in simple, quality ingredients, and this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is proof! Each component brings something special to the table, from creamy mozzarella to the tangy kick of balsamic. Here’s how each ingredient helps make this dish sing:
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil creates a silky base for the vinaigrette and coats every bite with rich flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds deep, syrupy tanginess that beautifully complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the richness of cheese.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings bright, citrusy acidity that lifts everything up and keeps the salad tasting fresh.
- Minced garlic: Adds a subtle hint of sharpness that infuses the dressing with irresistible depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that amplifies those classic Mediterranean flavors you crave in a Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the dressing and the pasta water for perfectly flavored bites.
- Black pepper: Brings gentle spice and warmth that rounds out the vinaigrette.
- Dried pasta (farfalle or other small shapes): The perfect carrier for all these flavors; farfalle’s ridges and folds help the dressing cling beautifully.
- Mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella): Creamy, tender bites of cheese that melt perfectly into the pasta, adding luscious texture and classic Caprese taste.
- Grape tomatoes, sliced in half: Juicy, sweet, and full of summery flavor—the heart of any Caprese dish.
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced: For that aromatic, peppery freshness every Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe needs.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A final pinch ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Vinaigrette
Start by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Whisk it together or give the jar a good shake until the mixture looks glossy and emulsified. This punchy dressing is the flavor backbone of our Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe, marrying each fresh ingredient together into salad bliss. Set aside while you prep the rest—your future self will thank you!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. This is key—the pasta needs a little bite so it won’t go mushy once tossed with the dressing. Once it’s done, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down, which makes the salad refreshing and also keeps the mozzarella from melting.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab your largest mixing bowl and add in the cooled pasta, sliced grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls (or cubes), and those gorgeous ribbons of fresh basil. Pour your homemade vinaigrette all over and toss gently until everything is deliciously coated. Take a taste and adjust with another pinch of salt or pepper if needed. That’s it—your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Make your salad truly pop with extra fresh basil leaves scattered over the top, a final drizzle of olive oil, or even a few cracks of black pepper. For a gourmet finish, add a light drizzle of thick, syrupy balsamic glaze for sweet-tangy ribbons that look and taste amazing.
Side Dishes
This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe shines as the centerpiece but loves companionship! Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, a crusty baguette for dipping, or even a leafy green salad to keep the meal light and vibrant. Classic Italian antipasti like marinated olives or roasted peppers make excellent company for this delightful pasta salad.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, try serving your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe in a large, shallow platter so all those beautiful colors are on display. For picnics, portion into mason jars or small bowls for grab-and-go servings. Or, turn it into Caprese pasta skewers for a playful appetizer at parties—just thread bites of pasta, mozzarella, tomato, and basil onto toothpicks and drizzle with dressing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store in an airtight container and, if possible, reserve a bit of the dressing to freshen it up with a quick toss before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the pasta may become soft and the tomatoes and mozzarella can lose their fresh texture. If you need to prepare far ahead, cook and freeze just the pasta, then add the other ingredients fresh when ready to assemble.
Reheating
This dish shines when served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you find yourself craving a warm version, gently warm the pasta (without tomatoes or cheese) in the microwave, then add the rest and dressing just before serving for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully, any small pasta shape like rotini, penne, or fusilli will catch the dressing and mix-ins just as well in your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe.
What can I use instead of mozzarella pearls?
If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, simply cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes. For a different flavor, try burrata or bocconcini, just be sure to slice into bite-sized pieces so they blend in seamlessly.
How long does the salad keep in the fridge?
Your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, enjoy it soon after making, but the flavors do meld and deepen wonderfully as it sits.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled or shredded chicken, sliced salami, or even chickpeas make fantastic protein-packed additions, transforming your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe into a heartier main course without overpowering those classic flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It’s easy to make this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just cook it according to package instructions and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, joyful flavors you’ll want to share again and again. Next time you’re looking for something effortless yet unforgettable, give this salad a try and watch it become a staple at every gathering. Who knew summer could fit in a single bowl?
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, combining pasta with fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well mixed. Set aside.
- Salad: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large bowl. Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Caprese Salad, Italian Salad, Mozzarella Pasta Salad
