This Caprese Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s super colorful and perfect for any gathering or just a cozy dinner at home!
I love how quick it is to whip up, and it always tastes like summer. Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a dish that makes everyone smile. Who doesn’t love cheese and fresh veggies? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is perfect because its shape holds the sauce and other ingredients well. However, you can easily swap it for other pasta types like fusilli, bowtie, or penne if that’s what you have on hand!
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes adds color and flavor. If they’re out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work too; just drain them well.
Fresh Mozzarella: I recommend bocconcini for its soft texture. If you can’t find it, try using regular mozzarella or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Basil: Fresh basil brings a lot of flavor. If you’re out, you can use fresh parsley or arugula, though the flavor will differ.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. If you need a substitute, red wine vinegar works, but it’s less sweet—consider adding a touch of sugar.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Doesn’t Get Mushy?
Cooking pasta perfectly is key to this salad. To avoid soggy pasta, make sure you cook it al dente. This means it should have a slight bite when you chew it. Here’s how to do it:
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, checking a minute or two before the suggested time.
- Once cooked, drain it but don’t rinse if you want the starch to help the dressing stick.
- Rinse under cold water quickly to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
By following these steps, your pasta will stay firm and delicious in the salad!
Best Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz orecchiette or your preferred pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red, yellow, and orange)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
For Garnish:
- Additional fresh basil leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking. If you let the salad chill for 30 minutes, that’ll help the flavors mingle even more! So, overall, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes around 9-11 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooled pasta and add in the halved cherry tomatoes and drained mozzarella balls. This colorful mix is what makes the salad so visually appealing!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together, so make sure it’s mixed well!
4. Toss it All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everyone gets coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Add the Basil:
Now, carefully fold in the torn basil leaves. This adds such a fresh aroma and flavor to the salad—don’t rush this step!
6. Adjust the Seasoning:
Give your salad a taste and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Adjust as needed!
7. Chill and Serve:
You can serve your Caprese Pasta Salad right away, but putting it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can really help the flavors come alive. When you’re ready to serve, stir it gently and check for seasoning again.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, top with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad with family or friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette works great, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook according to the package instructions for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy pasta. If you do add the dressing early, try to eat within 24 hours for optimal freshness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, but give it a gentle stir to refresh the ingredients and flavors before serving again.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like diced cucumber, olives, or even cooked chicken for extra protein. Just keep in mind that it may alter the original Caprese flavor slightly!
