This Caprese Pasta Salad is a bright and tasty dish filled with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s the perfect dish for a sunny day!
You can make it in no time, which is great because who wants to spend ages cooking? I love serving it cold; it tastes even better after a little chill in the fridge. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta shape is great for holding onto the dressing. If you can’t find it, feel free to use fusilli, penne, or even rotini for a fun twist. They all work well with the salad!
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds vibrancy. If you prefer, you can use halved grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes; just deseed them to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love using bocconcini or ciliegine for their bite-sized nature. If you’re dairy-free, try substituting with avocado chunks or a non-dairy mozzarella to keep a creamy texture.
Fresh Basil: Torn basil gives that classic Caprese flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried basil could work in a pinch—just use less, as dried is more concentrated!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Salad Stays Fresh and Tasty?
Cooking the pasta perfectly is crucial for a great salad. You want it al dente so it holds its shape when mixed with the other ingredients. Make sure to cool the pasta after draining; this prevents overcooking. Rinsing it under cold water does wonders.
- Cook pasta as per package instructions, but set a timer a minute or two early for that al dente texture.
- After draining, rinse with cold water until cool to the touch. This also helps stop the cooking process.
- Mix immediately with dressing and other ingredients; adding the dressing while warm can help the flavors meld.
Don’t skip refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes! This helps the flavors combine beautifully. Enjoy your colorful and refreshing pasta salad!
How to Make Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta (or your pasta of choice)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow for color)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons 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. If you choose to refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, the total time is about 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta (or your desired pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking and keep the pasta from getting mushy.
2. Preparing the Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. This colorful mix is what makes the salad look and taste amazing!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the dressing. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated. This is where all the delicious flavors come together!
5. Taste Testing:
Take a moment to taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar according to your preference.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Caprese Pasta Salad immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, and feel free to garnish with additional basil before serving for an extra pop of color. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Basil?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh basil isn’t available, but note that dried herbs are more potent. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of the 1/4 cup of fresh. Add it to the dressing so it has time to rehydrate and infuse its flavor into the salad.
What Pasta Can I Substitute for Orecchiette?
Orecchiette is great, but feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package for al dente instructions!
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen over time! For the best texture, give it a gentle toss before serving and consider adding a splash of extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile. You can add ingredients like diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even some grilled chicken for added protein. Just make sure to maintain a good balance of flavors and textures, and adjust your dressing if necessary to complement the new additions!
