Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta, fresh mozzarella balls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Tossed in a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette with garlic and olive oil, it makes a perfect light lunch, side dish, or picnic favorite. The salad is quick to prepare, served chilled, and ideal for make-ahead convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
Mozzarella and Vegetables
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (such as ciliegine or pearls), halved
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
Instructions
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse lightly with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Mozzarella and Tomatoes: While the pasta cooks, drain the mozzarella balls and cut them in half. Also, slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Add the thinly sliced fresh basil and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, mix together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Shake or whisk well until fully combined.
- Dress the Salad and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, let the salad rest for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- You can substitute white balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for authentic texture and flavor.
- For added protein, grilled chicken can be mixed in.
- Letting the salad sit allows the dressing to fully infuse the pasta and vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, cherry tomato pasta, Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe/