Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
You’ll discover that Caprese pasta salad combines the best of Italian cuisine in one versatile dish. This modern twist on the classic Caprese salad features perfectly cooked pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and hand-torn basil leaves. While the traditional recipe calls for a balsamic vinaigrette, you’ll find several variations that can adapt to your taste preferences. Let’s explore how to create this Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s become a staple at summer gatherings and casual dinners.
Overview
- Cook 1 pound short pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking process.
- Combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn fresh basil with the cooled pasta.
- Make dressing by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta mixture with dressing and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Let salad reach room temperature and gently toss before serving in 1.5-cup portions as main dish.
Recipe
This invigorating pasta salad combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a versatile dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil creates a harmonious blend that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and make-ahead convenience. Each ingredient maintains its distinct flavor while contributing to a cohesive whole, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a light summer meal. The dish can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Steps
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta and cooking it to al dente perfection, typically 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, whisk together your minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until you’ve created an emulsified dressing.
Once your pasta has cooled completely, toss it with the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, torn basil leaves, and prepared dressing, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 1. Boil Salted Water First
Before assembling your Caprese pasta salad, fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of kosher salt. You’ll want the water to taste like the sea – this is your only chance to season the pasta from within. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
The proper ratio of salt to water guarantees your pasta won’t taste bland, while the large volume of water prevents the noodles from sticking together. Your cook time will vary based on the pasta shape you’ve chosen, but the cooking method remains consistent: maintain a vigorous boil and stir occasionally. Watch for that perfect al dente texture – when the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite in the center.
Step 2. Cook Pasta Until Tender
Once your water reaches a rolling boil, add the 1 pound of pasta to the pot while stirring gently with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping. Cook for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to guarantee even cooking throughout. You’ll want to test the pasta’s texture at the 8-minute mark by sampling a piece – it should have an al dente texture, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite.
Remember that cooking time adjustment may be necessary depending on your pasta shape and brand. For rotini or fusilli, you might need an extra minute, while penne could require less time. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it’ll become mushy in your Caprese salad. When it reaches the perfect al dente texture, immediately drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water.
Step 3. Prepare Garlic-Vinegar Dressing
While the pasta cools, you’ll create a vibrant dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to achieve the perfect flavor blend. The garlic adds a pungent kick that complements the sweet balsamic notes.
Whisk the mixture vigorously until it emulsifies and takes on a smooth, unified appearance. This dressing creates the ideal texture balance when tossed with your pasta – it’s light enough to coat each piece without weighing it down. You’ll notice the dressing naturally clings to the pasta’s ridges and crevices, ensuring every bite delivers the full garlic-vinegar essence. For extra depth, let the dressing rest for 5 minutes before using.
Step 4. Mix All Ingredients Together
Now that your dressing is ready, you’ll combine all components in a large serving bowl to create the perfect Caprese pasta salad. Pour your cooled pasta into the bowl, ensuring it’s completely drained to maintain proper flavor balance.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta.
Drizzle your garlic-vinegar dressing over the ingredients, starting with half the amount and tasting before adding more. Your ingredient selection is vital here – each element should be visible and accessible in every bite.
Gently toss the mixture using two large spoons, being careful not to break the mozzarella or crush the tomatoes. Let the salad rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 5. Chill Before Serving
After combining your Caprese pasta salad components, proper chilling is essential for developing the best flavor profile and texture. Transfer your mixed salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, though 2 hours will yield optimal results.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to reach the ideal temperature. This brief warming period allows the olive oil to return to its liquid state and the mozzarella to soften slightly.
You’ll find the serving size variation flexible – portion 1.5 cups for a satisfying main course or 3/4 cup for a side dish. If you’ve made the salad ahead, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and guarantee every bite is perfectly dressed.
Top Tips
To guarantee your Caprese pasta salad reaches its full potential, you’ll want to follow several key techniques. Choose high-quality mozzarella cheese options, like fresh pearls or ciliegine, and tear them rather than cutting to create more texture. For maximum fresh basil flavor, wait to add the leaves until just before serving, and tear them gently to release their aromatic oils without bruising.
Reserve a small portion of your dressing to refresh the pasta just before serving, as the noodles tend to absorb liquid while chilling. You’ll achieve the best texture when you cook the pasta just past al dente, as cold temperatures firm up the noodles.
For the most vibrant presentation, select multicolored cherry tomatoes and garnish with whole basil leaves.
Nutritional Guide
| Serving Size | 1.5 cups (6 servings total) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Additional Nutritional Notes:
- Good source of calcium from fresh mozzarella
- Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil
- Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene
- Fresh basil adds antioxidants and vitamin K
- Complex carbohydrates from pasta provide sustained energy
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used in preparation. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the exact products used in your recipe.
Final Thoughts
Building on the nutritional benefits outlined above, this Caprese pasta salad offers more than just wholesome ingredients – it’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your needs and preferences. You’ll find its seasonal appeal peaks during summer when fresh tomatoes and basil are at their finest, but you can enjoy it year-round using greenhouse-grown produce.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. You might try incorporating grilled chicken for extra protein, or swap regular pasta for whole wheat to boost fiber content. The versatility of this dish extends to serving temperatures – while it’s traditionally served cold, you can also enjoy it slightly warm. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it at your family dinner, this Italian-inspired pasta salad will become a trusted addition to your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Pasta Salad Be Made Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this gluten-free by using rice, quinoa, or corn-based pasta varieties. Just watch your pasta cooking time carefully, as gluten-free options often cook faster than traditional wheat pasta.
How Long Will This Pasta Salad Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?
Want to savor this delightful dish all week? You’ll be pleased to know your pasta salad keeps for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator, maintaining freshness and those vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
What Other Cheese Alternatives Work Well in This Recipe?
You’ll find crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy Mediterranean flair, while creamy goat cheese offers a rich, earthy taste. Both alternatives work wonderfully – just use 8 ounces of either to maintain the dish’s balance.
Can I Prepare and Freeze This Pasta Salad?
While you can prepare components ahead of time, it’s best not to freeze this salad. Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t hold up well when frozen, and they’ll lose their delightful texture and flavor upon thawing.
Is It Necessary to Use Room Temperature Mozzarella?
While room temperature mozzarella creates better flavor distribution and blends smoothly with other ingredients, you can use chilled mozzarella. Just let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing for ideal taste and texture.
