This Caprese pasta salad is a colorful mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s super simple to throw together and perfect for any meal!
I love how it adds a burst of flavor without much effort. You can serve it warm or cold, but I often enjoy it straight from the fridge. Quick, fresh, and oh-so-tasty! 🍅🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using orecchiette because its shape holds the ingredients well. You can easily swap it for fusilli, rotini, or farfalle if you have those on hand.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of colors makes the salad more visually appealing. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes will work just fine!
Fresh Mozzarella: I love the creaminess of fresh mozzarella balls, but you can use mozzarella block cheese cut into cubes if that’s what you have. For a dairy-free option, try using marinated tofu instead!
Basil: Fresh basil is key for flavor. If basil isn’t available, fresh parsley or spinach works in a pinch, though they change the taste a bit.
Balsamic Vinegar: If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you could use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different but still tasty option.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfect for Salad?
Cooking pasta correctly is essential for a great pasta salad. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Use plenty of salted water for boiling. It should taste like the ocean to season the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This helps it hold up in the salad.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down, making it perfect for a salad.
- Don’t forget to toss the pasta with olive oil after rinsing. This prevents it from sticking together.
By following these steps, you’ll have pasta that’s perfectly suited for your refreshing Caprese salad!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red, yellow, and orange if possible)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld in the fridge if you want to chill it. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes to enjoy this fresh and delicious pasta salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add in your orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—check the timing to ensure it’s cooked but still has a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta well and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Combining the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. Gently mix them together with a spoon or spatula—be careful not to mash the mozzarella!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is blended well so the flavors come together nicely.
4. Dressing the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything until the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella are well-coated. It’s important to do this lightly to keep the mozzarella intact!
5. Adding Fresh Basil:
Now it’s time to fold in those fragrant basil leaves! Save a few for garnish later. Toss gently again to combine the basil with the pasta salad.
6. Serving the Salad:
Transfer your beautiful Caprese pasta salad to a serving bowl or plate. Garnish with the reserved basil leaves and, if you like, sprinkle on some extra black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
7. Chill and Enjoy:
You can serve your salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This salad is delightful served cold or at room temperature, making it a great dish for gatherings or meal prep!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for this salad, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier on the next day!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize your Caprese salad. You could add ingredients like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Just keep the dressing in mind so that it complements your additions.
What’s the Best Way to Serve It?
This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a picnic or potluck! To elevate the presentation, you can serve it on a bed of arugula or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
