This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is the perfect summer pasta salad!
A refreshing recipe featuring vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and aromatic fresh basil tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
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An Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
I love all things Caprese. Whether it be Caprese skewers, Caprese salad, a Caprese sandwich, or this Caprese pasta salad, I will always reach for anything Caprese first. The soft mozzarella cheese, burst of brightness from the tomatoes, and the herbacious basil come together in the perfect bite. This pasta salad takes all the flavors I love and brings it all together.
- Fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Only 6 simple ingredients.
- Serve this as a side dish or turn it into a main by adding your favorite protein.
- Easy to customize this pasta salad to your liking!
- Makes wonderful leftovers. Prepare this ahead or serve for lunches throughout the week!
Ingredients
- pasta: any medium pasta will work just fine. I like to use rotini, but penne, cavatappi, bowtie, or fusilli all work great too! For a heartier pasta salad try tortellini.
- cherry tomatoes: cherry tomatoes bring the perfect balance of sweet and tart to this recipe. Sub grape tomatoes or chop any larger tomato to bite-sized pieces.
- mini bocconcini: I like to toss in mini bocconcini because then they do not need to be cut or prepared. Use larger soft mozzarella and cut to bite-sized pieces.
- fresh basil: fresh basil adds so much flavor and a fresh element to this salad. I do not recommend substituting for dried basil as it will not have the same freshness.
- olive oil: this pasta salad uses a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The olive oil provides depth.
- balsamic vinegar: balsamic pairs so well with caprese flavors which makes it a go-to for this salad.
- salt & pepper
Variations: Instead of a balsamic vinaigrette, dress the pasta in pesto! Add avocado or cucumber to bulk the salad up with more veggies.
You will also need a large pot to boil the pasta and a large bowl to mix everything in.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
This is the best pasta salad because it’s so simple to make with just a few ingredients added to the pasta.
- Cook pasta to al dente.
- Toss everything together.
- Serve cold.
That’s it!
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Cook the pasta al dente (firm) so it holds up in this pasta salad.
Adding salt to the water when boiling pasta adds so much flavor to the pasta itself which is really important in this salad where there are not many ingredients to hide behind!
If making this salad in advance, toss everything together except the fresh basil as it will wilt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Serve with fresh basil.
More Summer Salads to Enjoy
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- large pot
- large bowl
Ingredients
- ½ pound medium pasta about 2 dry cups
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces mini bocconcini
- ¼ cup fresh basil chiffonaded
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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