Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Category: Pasta Recipes

This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s bright, colorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or side dish!

Honestly, who could resist this combo? It’s like summer on a plate! I love making it ahead of time; the flavors just get better as they mingle together. Yum! 🍅🧀

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta shape is fun and holds the dressing well. You could swap it with penne, fusilli, or any small pasta if needed. Just make sure to cook it al dente!

Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of colors adds a lovely visual appeal. If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes work too, or even regular tomatoes chopped up. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor.

Fresh Mozzarella: The creamy texture is key here! You can replace it with burrata for extra creaminess or use dairy-free mozzarella if you have dietary restrictions.

Basil: Fresh basil is a must for that aromatic touch. If you don’t have it, try using arugula or spinach, although the flavor will be different. Dried basil can work in a pinch but use less since it’s more concentrated.

How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking pasta just right is crucial for this salad. Under or overcooked pasta can ruin the texture. Follow these steps for perfect pasta:

  • Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. This helps flavor the pasta and prevents sticking.
  • Add your orecchiette and stir occasionally to prevent clumping.
  • Check the pasta 1-2 minutes before the package suggests for doneness. It should be slightly firm (al dente) but not hard.
  • Once it’s done, immediately drain and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.

Perfectly cooked pasta keeps your salad from becoming mushy. Enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad with pride!

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces orecchiette pasta (or any small pasta shape)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mixture of red, yellow, and orange for color)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus a few whole leaves for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and can be ready to serve in just 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together beautifully. Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cooking the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to cool it off and stop the cooking process. Set it aside.

2. Preparing the Veggies:

While the pasta is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, the fresh mozzarella balls, and the chopped basil leaves. Give them a gentle mix to incorporate the ingredients.

3. Making the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. This dressing will add a fantastic flavor to the salad!

4. Combining Everything:

Once your pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Drizzle the dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together until it’s well coated. This is the moment the salad starts to come alive!

5. Final Touches:

Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar for extra flavor.

6. Serving Your Salad:

Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish. For a lovely presentation, garnish with whole basil leaves and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Voila!

7. Enjoying the Salad:

You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature!

This fresh and vibrant Caprese pasta salad makes a perfect light lunch or colorful side dish for any meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?

Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

To make this Caprese Pasta Salad vegan, simply substitute the fresh mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it altogether. You can also add extra olives or avocado for creaminess!

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so you can take it straight from the fridge for a refreshing snack!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! This salad keeps well in the fridge for a day. Just wait to add the fresh basil until you’re ready to serve to keep it looking vibrant!

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