Best Caprese Pasta Salad 🥗🍝
Cuisine: Italian 🇮🇹 | Course: Salad | Servings: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
📌 Description
This refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad is a delicious fusion of the classic Caprese salad and hearty pasta. It features juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, making it perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light yet satisfying meal.
🌿 Ingredients
For the Vinaigrette Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Caprese Pasta Salad
- ½ lb dried pasta (farfalle, fusilli, or penne recommended)
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (firm but tender).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Season with extra salt and pepper, if desired.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or chill for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
💡 Notes & Tips
✅ Best Pasta Choices: Farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, penne, or rotini hold the dressing well.
✅ Mozzarella Substitute: If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, use cubed fresh mozzarella or burrata.
✅ Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
✅ Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Serving Temperature: Best served cold or at room temperature.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fats: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
🌱 Health Benefits
🥗 Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
🧀 Good for Bone Health – Mozzarella is a great source of calcium & protein.
🍋 Boosts Digestion – Lemon juice and balsamic vinegar aid in digestion.
🌿 Heart-Healthy – Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make it up to a day in advance, but add the fresh basil just before serving to keep it fresh.
Q: What other add-ins work well?
A: Try avocado, arugula, roasted bell peppers, olives, or pine nuts for extra flavor.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Q: Can I make this without balsamic vinegar?
A: Yes! You can substitute with red wine vinegar or a mix of lemon juice and honey for a milder taste.
Enjoy this fresh, vibrant, and delicious Caprese Pasta Salad at your next meal! 🍅🧀🌿