This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. It’s a light and tasty dish perfect for any meal!
Making this salad always puts a smile on my face! It’s quick, fresh, and such a great way to use up summer produce. I love having it for lunch or as a side dish with dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This small, ear-shaped pasta is great for holding onto the dressing and flavors. If you can’t find it, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even penne. The key is to pick something that will mix well with the salad!
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange tomatoes for a colorful dish. If you’re out of tomatoes or want a change, diced bell peppers or cooked asparagus can also add a nice crunch and flavor!
Fresh Mozzarella: Use bocconcini or ciliegine (mini mozzarella balls) for bite-sized goodness. You can substitute with feta or burrata if you’re feeling adventurous, but remember, it will change the salad’s texture and flavor profile!
Fresh Basil: Basil is essential for that fresh Caprese taste. If you can’t find basil, try parsley or arugula as alternatives. Alternatively, you can add dried basil if fresh isn’t an option, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta right is super important for a great salad. Here are some tips:
- Use plenty of salted water — it should taste a bit like the sea. This helps season the pasta as it cooks.
- Check the package for cooking times, but aim to cook it until al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This keeps it from getting mushy in the salad.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This halts the cooking process and helps cool it down quickly for the salad.
These steps will ensure your pasta stays firm and takes on the delicious flavors of the dressing! Enjoy making this vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces orecchiette pasta (or your preferred small pasta shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange if available)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus a few whole leaves for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional (for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the pasta and mixing everything together. If you choose to chill it for a while before serving, add another 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or a refreshing side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (tender with a slight bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Cool the Pasta:
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool it down for the salad.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and drained mozzarella balls. You’re making a colorful base for your salad!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This dressing will bring all the flavors together.
5. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are covered in that tasty dressing!
6. Add Fresh Basil:
Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil and toss again to distribute the basil throughout the salad. This will add a lovely fresh flavor!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad! Feel free to adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or some red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your salad with whole basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness. You can serve it immediately, or for best flavor, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad! It’s a delightful dish perfect for warm days or as a side at any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is perfect for this salad, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like farfalle, rotini, or even elbows. Just make sure it’s a type that can hold the dressing well!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta might soak up some dressing, so if it seems dry when you’re ready to eat it again, just add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the fresh basil until right before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh. Chilling it for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, arugula, or even spinach for a different twist. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but remember it has a different flavor and should be added sparingly.
