Description

Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, inspired by the traditional Italian Caprese salad. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a light balsamic dressing, this dish transforms into a delightful, crowd-pleasing pasta salad. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch on a warm day.

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for added zing)
• For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Method

Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside to dry completely.

Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces if not using pearls. Roughly chop the basil leaves to release their fragrant aroma. Thinly slice the red onion, if using, for a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes and balsamic dressing.

Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the balance of tanginess and sweetness by adding a touch more balsamic vinegar or olive oil if needed.

Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or mozzarella.

Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and enhances the overall taste. Just before serving, give it another light toss and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for presentation.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize Your Salad: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even avocado to turn this salad into a more filling meal. For a vegetarian twist, toss in some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Choose the Right Pasta: Short, sturdy pasta shapes work best as they hold onto the dressing and mix-ins without breaking apart.
Make Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or a make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Balsamic Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Caprese Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that combines the best of Italian flavors into a single, refreshing meal. The combination of pasta, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing, is sure to delight any crowd. Simple to prepare and easy to adapt, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Pair it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal, and be sure to explore more flavorful recipes on our site!