This Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a fun twist on a classic! With fresh tomatoes, basil, and smooth mozzarella, it’s a colorful dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table.
What I love most is how quick it is to make—just cook the pasta, mix in the goodies, and add a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or any meal when you want something light and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds the dressing well, but you could use any pasta you have on hand like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too if needed!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but feel free to use grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes if that’s what you have. Just be sure to remove excess moisture.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love using fresh mozzarella for its creaminess, but you can substitute cubed regular mozzarella, or even bocconcini (small mozzarella balls). Vegan cheese can also be an option.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a lovely aroma and flavor. If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can work in a pinch, but reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also make your dressing with all yogurt or all mayo—it’s flexible!
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta for a salad is all about timing and technique. You want pasta that’s cooked but firm, so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually 8-12 minutes for rotini, until it’s al dente (cooked but still has a slight bite).
- Immediately drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down for your salad.
- Let it drain well to avoid watery pasta in your dish!
Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pasta salad will take about 15 minutes for prep and cooking, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious dressing for your pasta salad!
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Now, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and sliced fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta salad a taste! Feel free to add more salt and pepper if you think it needs a little more flavor.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is ready to serve! You can dish it out cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil if you like. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works wonderfully, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and replacing the mozzarella with cubes of tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative. It’s still delicious and creamy!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You could add diced avocado, bell peppers, olives, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Just ensure your additions complement the caprese theme!
