This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty mix of pasta, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s drizzled with olive oil and topped with fragrant basil—simple yet delightful!
I love how colorful this salad is; it brightens up any meal! Plus, it takes no time to whip up, making it perfect for lunch or a side dish at dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is great because its shape holds onto sauce well. However, you can use any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini. Just choose what you have on hand!
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of colors adds both beauty and flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, feel free to use diced Roma or grape tomatoes instead.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love using mozzarella balls for their creaminess and fun size. If you can’t find them, cubed mozzarella or even feta can work in a pinch.
Fresh Basil: It’s a must for that fresh flavor! If basil isn’t available, fresh parsley can be a good alternative. Dried basil is fine too, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds a nice tang. For a sweeter option, you might try a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice instead.
How Can You Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta seems easy, but getting it just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked perfectly:
- Start with plenty of salted water; it should taste like the sea. This flavors the pasta.
- Check the package for cooking times, but begin tasting a minute or two before the time is up to catch it right at al dente.
- Once done, disable the cooking process by rinsing with cold water. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Let it cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients, to keep everything nice and fresh.
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange if available)
Cheese and Herbs:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus some whole leaves for garnish
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time—perfect for a quick meal or side! Just about 10 minutes to cook the pasta, and then a few moments to mix everything together. You can enjoy it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to really bring those flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta (or your chosen small pasta). Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. It should look colorful and inviting!
3. Preparing the Dressing:
Next, add the minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (if you’re using it) to the bowl with the pasta. This is where the magic happens! Gently toss everything together with a spoon until the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
4. Seasoning and Serving:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer it to a beautiful serving dish and top with whole basil leaves for a lovely garnish. If you like some heat, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top.
5. Enjoy:
Your delicious Caprese Pasta Salad is ready! You can serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow those flavors to meld beautifully. If it’s been chilled, let it warm to room temperature before serving. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant tastes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use regular mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed. Keep in mind that fresh mozzarella gives a creamier texture and flavor that’s quite delightful in a Caprese salad!
Can This Salad Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time! It’s best to make it a few hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best that way!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, but the freshness of the basil might fade a bit. If it seems dry after refrigeration, you can drizzle a little olive oil to freshen it up before serving!
Can I Add Other Veggies or Ingredients?
Definitely! This salad is quite versatile. You can add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even olives for extra flavor. Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand!
