This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a side dish at gatherings!
You know what they say, the simpler, the better! I love how this salad comes together in no time. Just toss everything together and enjoy a taste of summer any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is fun because it holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. If you can’t find it, feel free to use any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. I find that fun shapes add a little more excitement!
Cherry Tomatoes: Going for a mix of colors not only looks beautiful but also offers different flavors. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. I prefer sweet varieties for the best taste.
Fresh Mozzarella: You can use bocconcini (small balls) or ciliegine (even smaller ones). If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try avocado or a plant-based cheese alternative that will give you that creamy texture.
Basil: Fresh basil is key! For a different herb twist, try using arugula or spinach. Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh really shines in this dish.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta for a Salad?
Cooking pasta properly is crucial for a great salad. Here’s how to ensure your pasta is just right:
- Salt Your Water: Don’t skip this step! It should taste like the sea. This adds flavor directly to the pasta.
- Cook Al Dente: Follow package instructions for cooking time, but check a minute or two before the time is up. Aldente is key to prevent mushiness.
- Rinse With Cold Water: This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, making it perfect for salads.
- Drain Well: Excess water can make your salad soggy, so let it sit in the strainer for a minute or two before tossing it with other ingredients.
Following these steps will help your pasta salad stay fresh and flavorful!
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red, yellow, and orange for color)
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you can chill it for up to 30 minutes if you like. So, in total, you can have this delicious salad ready in about 15 to 45 minutes depending on your chilling preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your orecchiette pasta and cook based on package instructions until it’s al dente—about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well to remove excess water.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add in the cooled pasta. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. It’s colorful and smells amazing already!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if you’re using it), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
4. Toss It All Together:
Pour your dressing over the pasta-salad mixture and gently toss everything until well combined and all ingredients are coated in the dressing.
5. Taste and Garnish:
Once everything is mixed, taste your salad and adjust any seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle some additional basil leaves on top for garnish and add red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick.
6. Serve or Chill:
This salad can be served immediately, but if you have the time, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and gives you a cool, refreshing salad! It’s best when enjoyed fresh but can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
This colorful Caprese pasta salad is a simple, delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the added heartiness of pasta! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick light meal any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for holding the ingredients, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian since it uses fresh mozzarella. For a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese or even cubed avocado for creaminess. Just be sure to omit any dairy in the dressing, if applicable.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, just give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing, and you might want to add a splash of olive oil to freshen it up!
