Go Back
To make Caprese Pasta Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 8 oz (225g) pasta (fusilli or bowtie works best) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. Use different pasta shapes like penne or rotini. For tomatoes, grape tomatoes work too. If you cannot find mozzarella balls, regular mozzarella cut into cubes is fine. You can choose fresh herbs like parsley if basil is not available. For a lighter option, replace olive oil with lemon juice. If you prefer a vegan version, use a vegan mozzarella alternative. When buying tomatoes, look for ones that are firm and bright in color. They should smell sweet and fresh. Choose mozzarella that feels soft and springy. Fresh mozzarella should have a milky scent. Select basil leaves that are vibrant green and not wilted. Avoid leaves that are brown or spotted. Always check the expiration date on the olive oil for freshness. When these ingredients are fresh, your salad will taste amazing. First, grab 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. Fusilli or bowtie shapes work great. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until it's al dente, following the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set it aside while you prepare the rest. For the dressing, take a large bowl. Combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic reduction. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a little heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This dressing adds a bold flavor to the salad. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of drained mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. Then, gently fold in the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over this mixture. Toss everything gently until the pasta and veggies are nicely coated. Taste it now and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. You can serve it cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra basil leaves if you like! To boost the taste of your Caprese Pasta Salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil gives a bright flavor. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. You can add more garlic powder for a stronger taste. If you enjoy spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This adds heat without overpowering the dish. Serve your salad cold or at room temp. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. This salad also shines as a side dish at picnics or barbecues. For a fun twist, try adding some toasted pine nuts on top. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can make this pasta salad in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. If you want to meal prep, divide the salad into containers. It makes a great lunch option for busy days. {{image_2}} You can change up your Caprese pasta salad with seasonal ingredients. In spring, add fresh peas for a sweet crunch. Summer is perfect for roasted bell peppers, which bring a smoky flavor. In fall, try adding diced butternut squash for a hearty touch. Winter calls for arugula, adding peppery notes to the dish. These swaps keep your salad fresh and exciting. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. It works just as well. For a vegan option, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese. You can also add chickpeas for protein. If you are watching calories, use less olive oil or skip it entirely. These changes help everyone enjoy this salad. The pasta shape you choose affects the salad's texture. Fusilli captures the dressing well, making each bite tasty. Bowtie pasta adds fun shapes and holds the ingredients nicely. You might also try penne or orecchiette for a different feel. Each shape brings its own charm to the dish. After enjoying your Caprese pasta salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for later. It can last in the fridge for about three days. If you notice any excess liquid, drain it off before sealing the container. This helps maintain the texture. Freezing Caprese pasta salad is not the best choice. The fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and basil, do not freeze well. They can become mushy upon thawing. If you do want to freeze it, consider omitting the fresh ingredients. Instead, freeze just the pasta and dressing. You can add fresh items when you thaw it. You can serve the Caprese pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm pasta, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta gummy. Always wait until the salad cools before serving it again. Caprese Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors strong and the ingredients crisp. Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Prepare it a day in advance for the best results. Just remember to add fresh basil right before serving for the best flavor. If you need a substitute for mozzarella, try using feta cheese or ricotta. Both add a nice creaminess. You can also opt for vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just make sure it melts well or crumbles nicely for your salad. In this article, we covered key ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad, including substitutions and tips for choosing fresh produce. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for meal prep and serving. We explored variations based on seasons and dietary needs and discussed proper storage options. Caprese Pasta Salad is fun and flexible. Use the ideas here to make it your own. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and share with friends!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the delightful flavors of this Caprese Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! With fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this easy recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your craving for something delicious. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a colorful and tasty dish that’s great for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal prep!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (fusilli or bowtie works best)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic reduction

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic reduction, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well incorporated.

        Add the drained pasta to the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

          Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

            Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4-6