Nothing screams summer like a fresh, vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad! This dish takes the classic Caprese salad and gives it a heartier twist with perfectly cooked pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. Tossed in a light balsamic dressing, every bite is bursting with fresh, tangy, and savory flavors that transport you straight to an Italian countryside picnic.
Whether you’re serving it as a side at a BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or enjoying it as a light main dish, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. It’s simple, refreshing, and can be easily customized with extra veggies or protein. Plus, it tastes even better when chilled for an hour, letting the flavors meld beautifully!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound (450 g) dried fusilli bucati pasta (or any short pasta)
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¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
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¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
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2 small cloves garlic, minced or grated
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
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3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ red onion, diced
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8 ounces (226 g) mozzarella pearls
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¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions:
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Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt in a large salad bowl.
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Add the cooled pasta directly to the dressing and toss to coat.
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Stir in the cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil. Mix well to combine.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Caprese Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Italian Classic with a Hearty Twist
Few dishes capture the essence of summer quite like a Caprese Pasta Salad. Inspired by the traditional Italian Caprese Salad, this recipe transforms the simple combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil into a satisfying and flavorful pasta dish. The balance of fresh ingredients, combined with a light balsamic dressing, makes this salad a perfect choice for warm-weather meals, picnics, potlucks, and quick weekday lunches.
A Modern Take on a Classic Dish
The Caprese Salad, originating from the Italian island of Capri, is a timeless dish that showcases the beauty of fresh, high quality ingredients. Traditionally served as an appetizer, it consists of sliced fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The colors of the dish red, white, and green mirror the Italian flag, making it not only a culinary favorite but also a patriotic staple in Italian cuisine.
This Caprese Pasta Salad takes those same fundamental flavors and elevates them by adding pasta, making it a more filling and versatile dish. Whether served as a side or a main course, this pasta salad is a fantastic way to bring a taste of Italy to your table while keeping things light, fresh, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad
This dish is a favorite for so many reasons. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
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Quick and Easy – It takes only about 20 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
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Light and Refreshing – The fresh ingredients and tangy balsamic dressing keep the flavors bright and satisfying.
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Customizable – You can modify the salad with different add-ins like grilled chicken, avocado, or roasted vegetables.
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Great for Meal Prep – The flavors develop beautifully after chilling, making this a fantastic make-ahead meal.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or looking for a light lunch, this dish fits the bill.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Since this dish relies on just a few simple ingredients, selecting the highest quality options makes all the difference.
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Pasta: Short pasta shapes such as fusilli, rotini, or penne work best because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.
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Tomatoes: Opt for sweet, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes. Their small size and firm texture make them perfect for pasta salads.
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Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini are ideal for this dish. They provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.
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Basil: Fresh basil is a must! It adds a fragrant, slightly peppery note that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
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Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: Using high quality extra virgin olive oil and a well aged balsamic vinegar will ensure a rich and balanced dressing that ties everything together.
Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad
To ensure your Caprese Pasta Salad turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
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Cook the Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the salad and absorbs the dressing without becoming mushy.
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Cool the Pasta Properly – Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky.
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Dress While Warm – Tossing the pasta with the dressing while it’s slightly warm helps the flavors absorb better.
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Let It Marinate – If time allows, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add Fresh Basil Just Before Serving – Basil can darken and lose its fresh aroma when left sitting too long, so mix it in just before serving.
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Serve at the Right Temperature – While this dish can be enjoyed cold, it’s best served slightly chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about Caprese Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few tasty variations:
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Add Protein: Make this a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
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Make It Creamy: Mix in a spoonful of pesto or a dollop of burrata cheese for extra creaminess.
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Add Extra Vegetables: Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or arugula for more texture and nutrients.
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Try a Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
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Use a Different Dressing: Instead of balsamic, try a lemon vinaigrette or a garlic-infused olive oil for a new flavor profile.
Pairing Suggestions
This Caprese Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are a few ideas:
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Grilled Proteins: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal.
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Crusty Bread: Enjoy it with a slice of fresh Italian bread or garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
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Soup Pairing: A bowl of tomato basil soup complements the flavors beautifully, making for a comforting meal.
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Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhances the fresh flavors of the salad.
Storage and Meal Prep
This Caprese Pasta Salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. However, keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time. If needed, refresh the salad by adding a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving.
For the best texture, add fresh basil just before eating, as it can wilt when stored for too long. If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time for a gathering, consider adding the mozzarella at the last minute to keep it from getting too soft.
Conclusion
The Caprese Pasta Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table in a refreshing and satisfying way. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a crowd pleasing potluck recipe, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing, it’s a dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
Perfect for summer gatherings, meal prepping, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. Best of all, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to add your own personal touch. So grab your freshest ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of Caprese Pasta Salad!