This Caprese Pasta Salad is so easy yet so delicious. It is a great side dish to make on a hot summer day!
The fresh basil, tomatoes, mozzarella, and spices are all added to the tri-color farfalle pasta creating a salad full of vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
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This Caprese Pasta Salad can be so versatile. You can customize it by adding ingredients like grilled chicken or shrimp, roasted peppers, or pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying dish as a light lunch or a side dish for a barbecue!
What is a Caprese salad?
A Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. It is served as an appetizer or a light meal, especially during the summer months when tomatoes and basil are at their peak. The salad is typically arranged in layers, with slices of ripe tomatoes, slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and whole basil leaves. It’s then drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes topped with balsamic vinegar. This combination creates a delicious and refreshing dish.
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Main Ingredients Needed for Caprese Pasta Salad:
Pasta: Farfalle or you can use Rotini, Penne or a pasta of your choice.
Fresh Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or Cherry tomatoes will work fine.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the salad.
Fresh Basil: Will give the salad a fresh aromatic taste while adding a burst of color.
Oregano: Adds a robust peppery flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Red Onion: Will provide a tangy and slight sweet taste while also adding crunch and color.
For the dressing:
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for best flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: Will give a tangy sweet flavor.
Garlic: Pairs well with all the other ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: Gives the dressing a smooth texture.
Salt & Pepper: Added flavor.
Step by step instructions to make Caprese Pasta Salad:
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk together until combined. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package.
- While the pasta is cooking: Cut up the tomatoes, onion, basil and mozzarella.
- Add to pasta: Add the tomato, onion, basil and mozzarella to the bowl of pasta.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper and oregano. Mix in the balsamic dressing and stir well.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storing Tips:
Refrigerate promptly: Store salad in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
Consume within a few days: Pasta salad should be eaten within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Mix before serving: Before serving leftovers, give the pasta salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. You may need to add a little extra dressing or seasoning to refresh the flavors.
Avoid freezing: Pasta salads with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella don’t freeze well as they can become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy your salad fresh.
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 to 12 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
1 pound farfalle pasta
3/4 cup basil, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
16 ounce mozzarella, chopped in cubes
1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic Dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
1. In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk together until thoroughly combined.
2. Store in a lidded jar and refrigerate. Shake well before using.
For the Pasta Salad:
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Salt the water generously for the best pasta flavor. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add pasta to a large serving bowl. Toss with a little olive oil so the pasta don’t stick together.
- While the pasta is cooking, cut up your tomato, red onion, basil and mozzarella.
- Add the tomato, red onion, basil, and mozzarella to the bowl of pasta.
- Season with salt, pepper and oregano. Add the balsamic vinaigrette dressing and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
