Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lbcasarecce
penne, or any short pasta
- ⅝ cplus 1 tbsp. olive oil
divided
- ⅓ cwhite balsamic vinegar
- 2garlic cloves
- 1 tspkosher salt
- ¼ tspground black pepper
- 4 ccherry tomatoes
- 16 ozsmall mozzarella balls or pearls
- 1 cfresh basil
plus more for garnish
- Red pepper flakes
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and rinse with cold water. Return pasta to pot and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- 2
Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 2/3 cup oil, vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add tomatoes and mozzarella to dressing and toss to coat. Let marinate while the pasta cools, about 15 minutes.
- 3
Add cooled pasta to tomato mixture and toss to coat. Stir in the basil. Garnish with more basil and red pepper flakes, if you like.
Caprese Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect dish that brings fresh, vibrant flavors to any gathering? This Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful answer, combining classic Italian ingredients into an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal you'll want to make again and again.
Why This Caprese Pasta Salad Works
What makes this Caprese Pasta Salad truly special is its incredible balance of flavors and textures, achieved with just a handful of high-quality ingredients. The creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil are perfectly complemented by a bright, zesty dressing, making every bite a celebration of fresh produce. It's designed to be simple yet utterly satisfying, proving that complex flavors don't require complex techniques.
What to Expect
Prepare for a burst of sunshine in every forkful. You’ll experience the satisfying chew of the short pasta mingling with the soft, milky tang of small mozzarella balls or pearls. The sweet burst of halved cherry tomatoes provides a delightful counterpoint, all tied together by a lively dressing made with white balsamic vinegar and good quality olive oil, enhanced with grated garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. The generous amount of fresh basil infuses the entire dish with its signature peppery-sweet fragrance. This recipe yields a generous 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for entertaining or meal prep, and its refreshing profile is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Customization & Variations
This Caprese Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile. While casarecce or penne pasta are excellent choices for catching all the delicious dressing and ingredients, feel free to use any other short pasta you prefer, like fusilli or orecchiette. For a touch of heat, you can easily sprinkle in red pepper flakes as a garnish, or stir a pinch into the dressing. If you're looking to enhance the herbaceous notes, a bit of oregano can complement the basil beautifully.
Serving & Context
This Caprese Pasta Salad shines as a vibrant side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or picnics, but it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a light lunch or dinner. Serve it chilled, garnished with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an inviting presentation.