Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
An easy-to-make summertime favorite, Caprese Pasta Salad is always a hit! Simple ingredients, quick to make, and oh-so-good!
How to Make the Best Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm summer days when you want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines all the classic elements of a traditional caprese salad—ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil—with your favorite short pasta for a more substantial meal.
The balsamic vinegar dressing brings everything together with its tangy sweetness, while a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of depth and heat. This salad is incredibly versatile and works beautifully as a side dish at summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a light main course for lunch.
The key to this recipe is using the freshest ingredients you can find. Look for cherry tomatoes that are perfectly ripe, high-quality fresh mozzarella (the small ciliegine balls work wonderfully), and fragrant basil leaves. Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to meld together—trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Caprese Pasta Salad
An easy-to-make summertime favorite, Caprese Pasta Salad is always a hit! Simple ingredients, quick to make, and oh-so-good!
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
Instructions
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Start the pasta cooking in salted water (the water should taste like the sea). Cook according to package directions. Drain, lightly rinse and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add in pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional).
- Let sit 30 minutes for the best flavor (up to 2 hours in the fridge).
Notes
- For the best flavor, let the salad marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
- This salad can be made up to 2 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to slice the mozzarella balls in half if you prefer smaller pieces.
