Go Back
To make a Caprese Pasta Salad, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste These ingredients bring bright flavors and textures together. The fusilli pasta holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst. Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess, while basil adds a fresh herbal note. You will need a few tools to make this dish: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A colander to drain the pasta - A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A small bowl for whisking the dressing - A whisk or fork for mixing Having these tools ready makes the process smooth and easy. You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use any pasta shape, like penne or rotini. - Substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes. - Try burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture. - Use red wine vinegar if you don’t have balsamic glaze. - If you dislike garlic, leave it out or use garlic powder. These swaps help you customize the salad to your taste. Keep it fresh and fun! For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Once it bubbles, toss in 8 oz of fusilli pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This step keeps the pasta from getting mushy in your salad. Now, let’s make the dressing. Grab a small bowl and add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Next, add 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and 1 clove of minced garlic. Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Whisk it all together until it looks smooth. This dressing gives your pasta salad a bright and tasty kick. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls. Toss in 1 cup of torn basil leaves for extra flavor. Gently mix all the ingredients. Pour your dressing over the salad and carefully toss again. Make sure everything is coated well. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. For more details, check out the Full Recipe! To make your Caprese pasta salad shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes should be ripe and sweet. For the best flavor, pick fresh basil leaves. A quick rinse of the pasta cools it down and keeps it firm. Make the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad vibrant and fresh. Letting the salad sit for ten minutes melds the flavors. Taste it before serving. Adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Serve this pasta salad in a colorful bowl. It looks great on a picnic table or at a BBQ. Add extra basil leaves on top for a nice touch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add sweetness and shine. Pair it with grilled meats or crusty bread. It also works well as a side dish for any meal. A common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente texture to keep it chewy. Don’t skip rinsing the pasta after cooking; this stops it from cooking more. Avoid heavy dressings that can drown the salad. Use just enough to coat the pasta and veggies. Lastly, be careful not to add too much salt at first. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away. For a full recipe, check the Caprese Pasta Salad Delight section. {{image_4}} You can make Caprese pasta salad heartier by adding proteins. Grilled chicken is a great choice. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. Shrimp also works well, especially if you sauté it with garlic. This adds flavor and protein. You can even use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. They add texture and protein without meat. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available now that taste great. Look for pasta made from rice or quinoa. They hold up well in salads. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots. They provide a fresh twist and keep the meal light. Switching ingredients based on the season can enhance your salad. In summer, use ripe heirloom tomatoes for a richer flavor. In fall, consider adding roasted butternut squash for a warm touch. You can also add arugula in the spring for a peppery taste. This keeps your Caprese pasta salad exciting and fresh all year long. For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad Delight. To keep your Caprese pasta salad fresh, first let it cool. After cooling, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors strong. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to use a container that fits well, so there’s less air inside. Avoid adding any extra dressing until you are ready to eat. This will keep the pasta from getting soggy. Caprese pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients start to lose their freshness. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to discard it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Eating it within this timeframe ensures you enjoy the best taste and quality. Freezing Caprese pasta salad is not ideal. The fresh ingredients do not freeze well. Tomatoes and mozzarella can become mushy after thawing. If you really need to freeze it, consider just freezing the pasta. Cook the pasta, cool it, and place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw it and then add fresh ingredients and dressing. This way, you maintain the salad's vibrant flavors. For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad Delight. Caprese Pasta Salad blends fresh flavors, like tomatoes and mozzarella, with pasta. It’s a twist on the classic Caprese salad, which uses tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This dish is colorful, tasty, and easy to make. You use fusilli pasta, which holds the dressing and ingredients well. You can enjoy this salad as a side or a main dish. Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad in advance. This salad tastes even better after sitting for a while. The flavors mix and deepen, making it more delicious. To store it, place it in the fridge in a covered container. I suggest eating it within two days for the best taste. The best dressings for Caprese Pasta Salad are simple and fresh. Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze work well together. They add a rich flavor without overpowering the ingredients. You can also add lemon juice for a zesty twist. Try to avoid heavy dressings, as they can mask the fresh taste of the salad. If you want the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post guided you through making Caprese pasta salad. We covered key ingredients, tools, and easy steps to prepare it. I shared tips for perfecting your salad, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers properly. Caprese pasta salad blends fresh flavors and is versatile. Each ingredient plays an important role. Enjoy experimenting with this dish to find your perfect mix!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Caprese Pasta Salad with our easy recipe! This vibrant dish combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all dressed in a tangy garlic and balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is not only quick to make but also bursting with flavor. Click through for the full recipe and bring a refreshing twist to your dining table today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches al dente tenderness.

    Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This helps halt the cooking process and cools the pasta for your salad.

      In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and the torn basil leaves. Make sure to mix gently to keep the pasta intact.

        In a smaller bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until you have a smooth dressing.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and carefully toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

            Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary to enhance the flavors.

              Allow the pasta salad to sit for around 10 minutes. This resting period is vital as it allows the ingredients to meld together and develop a richer flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl or in individual serving dishes. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for an inviting and appetizing look. Enjoy!