This Caprese Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing mix of chewy pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s like a summer picnic in a bowl!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you have a dish that’s perfect for lunch or a nice dinner. Plus, it’s great for sharing—if you can resist the urge to eat it all yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is a fun choice, but you can easily swap it for any pasta you like. Short pastas such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Cherry Tomatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds a pop of color and sweetness. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, chopped regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes could work great!
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini are perfect for this dish, but feel free to use regular mozzarella or even feta for a different flavor. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can opt for part-skim mozzarella.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely flavor, but if you don’t have it, consider using fresh parsley or arugula as a substitute. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but you’ll need less—about one-third of the fresh amount.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta to the best texture is crucial for this salad! Here are the steps to ensure it comes out just right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta!
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Taste it a minute or two before the time is up—aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard.
- Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and helps the pasta stay separate without becoming mushy.
Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow), halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors come together. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well blended. This dressing adds flavor to the salad and brings all the ingredients together.
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are nicely coated. Be careful not to break the mozzarella balls while mixing.
5. Adding Fresh Basil and Serving:
Add the torn basil leaves to the salad and toss again to distribute. If you like a little spice, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick!
6. Enjoy or Chill:
You can serve the pasta salad right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together even more. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Caprese Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions for the best texture!
How Long Will This Salad Keep in the Fridge?
This Caprese pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. If the pasta absorbs some dressing, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving to refresh it!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Definitely! You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the fresh mozzarella or substituting it with plant-based cheese alternatives. Tofu cubes or avocado can also add creaminess without the dairy!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts for more variety. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the right balance of flavors.
