Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta
, such as fusilli, orrechiette, penne
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls
, ciligiine or pearls
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup slivered fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
, plus more for salting the pasta water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 garlic clove
, pressed or minced
Directions
- 1
Bring a pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse lightly with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls then cut in half. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to a mixing bowl with the mozzarella balls. Add the cooled pasta and slivered basil.
- 3
In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, add the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well then drizzle over the pasta. Toss to coat and taste for seasoning. The salad is best after about 30 minutes and can be refrigerated for 3 days.
Caprese Pasta Salad
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Based on 257 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, fresh dish that embodies the taste of summer with minimal effort? This Caprese Pasta Salad is the answer, delivering authentic Italian-inspired flavors in a fast and simple package that's perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by bringing together the classic Caprese trio—fresh mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil—with a simple, bright dressing. The key is the thoughtful balance of rich extra virgin olive oil and the tangy sweetness of white balsamic vinegar, complemented by just enough garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance, not overpower, the natural goodness of the ingredients. It’s a testament to how exceptional ingredients, simply prepared, create extraordinary flavor.
What to Expect
Prepare yourself for a refreshing symphony of textures and tastes. You'll bite into plump, juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness, alongside tender, chewy short pasta like fusilli or orrechiette. Each forkful will feature creamy, delicate mozzarella balls—whether ciligiine or pearls—and the invigorating whisper of fresh basil. The light dressing coats everything beautifully, making this a truly delightful and naturally vegetarian dish that feels both indulgent and remarkably light. It’s designed to be effortlessly delicious, ensuring a satisfying experience without any fuss.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to swap fusilli for orrechiette or penne based on your preference for short pasta shapes. For the mozzarella, you can easily use different sizes of mozzarella balls, such as ciligiine or pearls. If you don't have white balsamic vinegar, a high-quality regular balsamic could be used, though it will alter the color and add a slightly bolder, sweeter profile.
Serving & Context
This Caprese Pasta Salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, backyard barbecues, or as a light lunch. Serve it chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled chicken, fish, or simply enjoy it on its own for a refreshing meal.