why make this recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad is a delicious and fresh dish that blends the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with hearty pasta. This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings. It is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, creates a delightful meal that everyone will love.
how to make Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- To a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are mixed well. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Drizzle with the vinaigrette dressing and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
how to serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. It is great on its own or as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
how to store Caprese Pasta Salad
To store leftover Caprese Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs the dressing, you can add a little extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar when serving to refresh the flavors.
tips to make Caprese Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it down and prevent it from sticking together.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the tomatoes and mozzarella, to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the vinaigrette ingredients based on your taste preferences.
variation
You can add other ingredients like grilled chicken, olives, or arugula to give the salad more flavor and texture. For a different taste, try adding roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use any type of pasta for this salad?
A: Yes, you can use any small pasta shape, like penne or rotini, for this salad.
Q2: How can I make this salad vegan?
A: Simply omit the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Q3: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are mixed well. Set aside.
Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
Assemble Salad
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Drizzle with the vinaigrette dressing and toss everything together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.