This Caprese Pasta Salad combines pasta, sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and garden fresh basil all drizzled with an easy five ingredient balsamic vinaigrette. Summer is the ideal time for cold pasta salads with garden fresh vegetables and herbs. I love to serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp. Or serve it for lunch or a light supper during the hot summer months. It is ideal for potlucks, picnics, and family reunions
How to make Caprese Pasta Salad
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your pasta al dente according to the package directions and well. Rinse with a little water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Add the pasta to a serving bowl and toss with a little bit of olive oil. Let it cool while you make the dressing.
In a small mason jar with a tight fitting lid or a small bowl mix together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and garlic. Add the mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, and basil to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. If desired sprinkle with a little red pepper flakes to taste.
Recipe Tips
Any short pasta will work with this recipe including penne, farfalle, cavatappi, gemelli, or rotini pasta.
Cook the pasta slightly al dente which is just a little firm when bitten. Drain well and toss with a little bit of olive oil.
For ease in mixing the caprese salad dressing add the contents to a small mason jar. Thread the lid on tight and shake to coat.
You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Add a splash of white balsamic vinegar right before serving and toss again. Cover and store this pasta salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to cut basil ribbons
To start gently wash and thoroughly dry the fresh basil leaves. Basil does not have to be dry to cut it into ribbons but it is much easier to sprinkle on the top of a dish when it is dry. Then simply stack the leaves on top of each other and gently roll them into a cylinder. Using a sharp knife slice them extra thin. Slice and add basil ribbons right before serving when they are at their peak.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This flavor packed cold Caprese Pasta Salad brings the best that summer produce has to offer with pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil together in a tasty garlic balsamic vinaigrette
Course: side dish/pasta salad ; Cuisine: Italian ; Prep Time: 10 minutes ; Cook Time: 10 minutes ; Servings: 10servings ; Calories: 426kcal
Author: Beth Pierce
