This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of fresh ingredients! With tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s a colorful dish that tastes like summer.
Making this salad is a breeze! Just cook the pasta, chop the veggies, and toss everything together with a touch of olive oil. It’s a hit at picnics and I love enjoying it with a bit of crusty bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using orecchiette for its lovely shape, which holds sauce beautifully. You can swap it with any bite-sized pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best for their sweetness and bite-sized convenience. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes, just drain them well. You can also substitute with diced bell peppers for crunch.
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find it, try bocconcini, or for a lower-calorie option, you could use part-skim mozzarella. Feta can work too but will change the flavor profile!
Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that Caprese taste. If fresh basil isn’t available, try fresh parsley or arugula for a different but still tasty vibe. Dried basil in a pinch—just use less, about 1/3 of the amount.
How Do I Keep My Pasta Salad from Getting Soggy?
To ensure your pasta salad stays fresh, it’s crucial to cook the pasta perfectly and dress it at the right time. Here are some tips:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it retains some firmness. This helps it hold up when combined with other ingredients.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining. This cools it quickly and stops the cooking process, preventing mushiness.
- Dress the salad just before serving. If you make it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating.
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any bite-sized pasta)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (use a mix of colors if possible)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus some whole leaves for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. Cook the pasta, chop the veggies, and mix everything together. Serve immediately, or let it chill for a bit in the fridge for a refreshing dish!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well again to remove excess water.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. It’s best to use a variety of colored tomatoes for a pop of color!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if you’re using it), minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing will add lots of flavor to your salad!
4. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the mozzarella and tomatoes are well coated with the dressing.
5. Add Fresh Basil:
Now, add the chopped fresh basil to the salad and give it another light toss. This will give your pasta salad a wonderful fresh flavor!
6. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the salad into a serving bowl, and for an extra pretty presentation, garnish with whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s great for picnics, potlucks, or just as a light meal at home. Enjoy!
This simple, fresh pasta salad beautifully showcases Caprese flavors and is sure to please everyone. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may vary.
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the freshest taste and texture!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use fresh parsley or arugula as an alternative. Dried basil can work too, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Yes! Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like diced cucumbers, olives, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for added protein. Just remember to adjust the dressing to balance it out as needed.
