This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that combines pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s like a summer picnic in a bowl!
Honestly, it’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I love serving it chilled; it just tastes like sunshine! Plus, leftovers? Even better the next day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta is perfect for holding onto the dressing and other ingredients. If you can’t find it, feel free to use any pasta shape you like; penne or fusilli work great too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixing red and yellow tomatoes adds color and sweetness. If you prefer, you can swap them out for grape tomatoes or even regular tomatoes (just chop them up).
Fresh Mozzarella (Bocconcini): These little cheese balls are creamy and delicious. If you can’t find bocconcini, go for mozzarella pearls or even cubed mozzarella. You can also use feta for a stronger flavor.
Fresh Basil: This herb brings a lovely aroma. If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil, but start with less since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality oil makes a big difference in taste. If you’re looking for a twist, try avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a tangy touch. If you’re out, red wine vinegar or lemon juice can substitute, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly?
Cooking pasta properly is key to a great pasta salad. Follow these simple tips for the best results:
- Start with a large pot of well-salted boiling water; it should taste like the sea. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions but aim for al dente. It’ll continue cooking a bit when you mix it with the other ingredients.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for your salad.
By following these steps, your pasta salad will be a hit! Remember, al dente pasta has a nice bite and holds up well in salads.
Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mix of red and yellow, halved)
Cheese and Herbs:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad will take you about 15 minutes for prep and cooking, plus an optional 30 minutes in the fridge for chilling to enhance the flavors. In total, you can enjoy this refreshing dish in just under 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This keeps it from sticking together.
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together without breaking the mozzarella.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. If you’d like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes too. This dressing will add a wonderful flavor to your salad!
4. Dress the Pasta Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta and veggies are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, you can now either serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Enjoy your refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and cool it down before mixing.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the pasta may absorb some dressing, so it’s best to add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar when you reheat or serve it again.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella?
If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use regular mozzarella cheese, feta, or even burrata for a creamy twist. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to match the salad’s textures.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the mozzarella or substituting it with a plant-based cheese. Just be sure to check that the balsamic vinegar is vegan-friendly, as some brands may use non-vegan ingredients in their production.
