This colorful Caprese Pasta Salad brings together fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for any meal!
When I make this salad, I can’t help but eat it straight from the bowl! 🍝 Just toss the pasta with olive oil, balsamic, and those yummy ingredients for a quick dish that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This small, ear-shaped pasta is perfect for holding sauce and flavors. If you can’t find orecchiette, you can substitute with small shells or fusilli. Both will work well!
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixed color tomatoes add visual appeal and different flavors. If you want to use another type, grape tomatoes or even chopped larger tomatoes can work, but you might want to adjust the quantity depending on size.
Fresh Mozzarella: The little mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are creamy and delicious. If you can’t get them, try using cubed regular mozzarella or even feta for a different taste profile. Just remember feta is saltier, so taste as you go!
Basil: Fresh basil enhances the salad’s freshness. If fresh is hard to find, consider using a small amount of dried basil, but it won’t match the flavor entirely. A mix of fresh parsley and mint could also be a nice twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Deliciously Flavored?
The key to a flavorful pasta salad is in how you mix your ingredients and let them sit. Once you’ve tossed everything together, let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes. This gives time for the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to soak into the pasta and veggies.
- Make sure your ingredients are well-coated with oil and vinegar for even flavor.
- Don’t skip the salt and pepper—it boosts all the ingredients!
- If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them gradually. You can always add more if you like it spicy.
Following these tips will ensure your Caprese Pasta Salad not only looks great but tastes amazing too!
Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (mixed colors if possible)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. This includes cooking the pasta and mixing all the fresh ingredients together. Just wait a little while to let the flavors blend, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. This is where the fun begins as you can see all those beautiful colors!
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the pasta mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This will really bring out all the flavors!
4. Toss Everything Together:
Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to mix everything well, making sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add Fresh Basil:
Finally, add the torn fresh basil leaves into the salad, and toss gently again. The basil adds a delightful aroma and freshness to the dish!
6. Let It Rest:
Allow the pasta salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time lets all those tasty flavors meld together, making every bite delicious.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Caprese Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy your refreshing creation!
Can I Use Any Other Pasta Instead of Orecchiette?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for holding the dressing and ingredients, you can swap it with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil instead—just use about 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you could also try fresh parsley or arugula for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store This Pasta Salad?
This Caprese pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, consider adding the fresh basil just before serving, as it can wilt over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. To prevent the pasta from drying out, you might want to add a little extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar just before serving to refresh the flavors.
