Fresh Basil-Kissed Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer calls for fresh, vibrant dishes that burst with Mediterranean charm, and this caprese pasta salad recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Tangy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil dance together in a light, refreshing medley.

Classic Italian ingredients blend seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that sings of sunny afternoons.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

The simplicity of this salad belies its incredible depth of taste.

Minimal ingredients come together with maximum impact, making this recipe a go-to for effortless entertaining.

Prepare to fall in love with a summer classic that never disappoints.

Why Caprese Pasta Salad Feels So Fresh

• Create Decadent Dessert: This hot fudge pie delivers rich chocolate indulgence with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for satisfying intense sweet cravings.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique mean you can prepare this dessert faster than traditional layer cakes or complicated pastries.
• Comfort Food Champion: The gooey chocolate center provides a warm, nostalgic experience that reminds you of classic homemade treats, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serve this pie warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries to elevate its deliciousness and create a personalized dessert experience.

Ingredients for Simple Caprese Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A classic base for this refreshing Caprese-style salad that provides a hearty foundation.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy tomatoes that add a burst of fresh flavor to the salad.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that brings a classic Italian taste and aromatic quality to the dish.

• Mozzarella Balls: Soft and creamy cheese that offers a rich, smooth texture to the salad.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, flavorful oil that helps blend the dressing and coat the ingredients.
• Balsamic Glaze: A sweet and tangy reduction that provides depth and shine to the salad.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How to Prepare Classic Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Let the pasta cool down completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and prepare to create magic.

• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the ingredients dance and blend seamlessly. Taste and adjust the seasoning to make your taste buds sing.

Step 3: Craft the Salad Symphony

• Cooled pasta
• Juicy halved cherry tomatoes
• Creamy mozzarella balls
• Fresh chopped basil

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss with a gentle hand, ensuring every morsel gets coated in deliciousness.

Step 4: Chill and Mingle

Use salad tongs to give everything a loving toss, making sure the dressing hugs every ingredient.

Pop the bowl into the refrigerator and let the flavors get acquainted for at least 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Give the salad one final gentle toss before serving.

For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle some additional balsamic glaze on top. This masterpiece can be enjoyed straight from the fridge or at a comfortable room temperature.

Notes for Making Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

• Rinse pasta immediately after cooking with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Whisk dressing ingredients gradually and taste repeatedly to achieve a harmonious blend of olive oil, balsamic, and garlic flavors.
• Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for at least 10 minutes so ingredients can absorb dressing and develop deeper taste profile.
• Select ripe cherry tomatoes, high-quality mozzarella, and fresh basil to elevate the overall salad's taste and visual appeal.
• Use soft tossing motion with salad tongs to prevent breaking delicate mozzarella and tomatoes while ensuring even dressing distribution.

Tasty Caprese Pasta Salad Ideas for All

• Vegan Caprese Remix: Replace mozzarella with firm tofu cubes marinated in nutritional yeast and herbs, keeping the classic basil and tomato flavors intact.
• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken strips or chickpeas for extra protein, transforming the light salad into a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers and incorporate kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation with deeper, richer flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, maintaining the salad's refreshing caprese essence while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Foods That Pair Well With Caprese Pasta

• Pair Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the fresh basil and bright tomatoes, cutting through the creamy mozzarella with its acidic notes.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted, herb-infused bread provides a crunchy contrast to the soft pasta and creates a perfect vehicle for scooping up extra dressing.
• Complement with Prosciutto Plate: Thinly sliced, salty Italian cured meat adds a rich protein element that balances the salad's lightness and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Match with Prosecco Spritz: Bubbly, refreshing cocktail with citrus undertones provides a festive and palate-cleansing accompaniment to the pasta salad's vibrant ingredients.

Storing Caprese Salad for Lunchtime Meals

• Store the Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Skip freezing this salad, as mozzarella and fresh basil will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Before serving leftovers, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Gently stir to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients.
• If the salad seems dry after storing, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and balsamic glaze to restore moisture and enhance flavors.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they hold the dressing and catch small ingredients perfectly, creating a better flavor in every bite.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add fresh basil right before serving to maintain the herb’s bright flavor and color.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta al dente and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture and prevents it from becoming soft or sticky.

• Is there a substitute for mozzarella balls?

You can easily swap mozzarella balls with cubed fresh mozzarella or even feta cheese if you prefer a different cheese flavor in the salad.

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s zesty Caprese Pasta Salad brings Mediterranean charm to your table, blending fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil with perfectly al dente pasta. Refreshing and light, this Italian-inspired dish promises a delightful culinary escape you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne)
• 1 cup (150 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (20 grams) fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic glaze
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Immediately drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool down quickly. Spread pasta on a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Create the dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, balsamic glaze, finely minced garlic, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl until well combined and emulsified.
4. Transfer cooled pasta to a spacious mixing bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and freshly chopped basil leaves.
5. Drizzle prepared dressing over the ingredients, using gentle folding motions to coat everything evenly without breaking the delicate components.
6. Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify. This resting period helps develop a more robust taste profile.
7. Before serving, give the salad a final light toss. For an elegant touch, garnish with an additional drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few extra basil leaves. Enjoy at a cool room temperature or straight from the refrigerator.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better dressing absorption and easier eating.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting of fresh herbs.
• Use fresh mozzarella balls for authentic creamy texture and authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein and making it a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg