🍅 Best Caprese Pasta Salad
This fresh, colorful pasta salad combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—with pasta for a satisfying side dish or light meal.
🧾 Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 340 g (12 oz) pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 225 g (8 oz) fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
- Let it cool.
2. Assemble
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Pasta
- Tomatoes
- Mozzarella
- Basil
3. Make the dressing
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze (or vinegar), garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss and chill
- Pour dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
🍽️ Optional Add-Ins
- Grilled chicken
- Avocado
- Baby spinach
- Toasted pine nuts
- Sliced olives
💡 Tips
- Add basil just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella rather than low-moisture block mozzarella.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top makes it look and taste restaurant-quality.
The result is a bright, creamy, and refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick summer lunch. 🍅🧀🌿🍝
