Welcome back to our little corner of the internet! Here at 911Recipes, we really believe that making good food shouldn’t be a struggle. It should bring you joy, just like it always has for our family, starting with our grandmother’s kitchen. She taught us that the best meals are often the simplest ones, made with love and fresh ingredients. That’s exactly how I feel about this amazing Caprese Pasta Salad. It’s a dish that just screams summer, but honestly, we make it all year round. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it hits all the right notes – fresh, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe Savana loves because it tastes like you fussed, but you really didn’t! Alara and I love how it brings a little bit of that Italian sunshine to our table, just like the classic flavors we grew up with. This salad is a perfect example of the kind of quick, delicious meals you’ll find here. So pull up a chair!
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad
So, why should you make this Caprese Pasta Salad right now? Well, I can think of a few good reasons!
- It comes together in a flash, seriously quick prep.
- The cook time is super minimal, mostly just waiting for the pasta.
- It’s bursting with fresh, bright flavors from simple ingredients.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a speedy weeknight dinner.
- It’s naturally vegetarian, so it works for lots of folks.
- Everyone I’ve ever made it for just loves it!
Essential Ingredients for Your Caprese Pasta Salad
Getting the best results with this Caprese Pasta Salad starts with good ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy, just fresh and flavorful!
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. I usually go for penne or rotini.
- 2 cups of sweet cherry tomatoes, sliced in half.
- 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, like bocconcini. Make sure they are halved or quartered if they are bigger.
- About 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves. Just tear or chop them up right before adding.
- 1/4 cup of a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It makes a difference!
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. This adds a lovely sweet and tangy punch.
- Salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here!
Remember, you’ll need to cook your pasta first and give it a good rinse with cold water to stop it from sticking.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – putting this delicious salad together! It’s truly as easy as pie, maybe even easier.
Preparing Your Caprese Pasta Salad Base
First things first, get your pasta cooking! Just follow the directions on the box. While that’s happening, grab a big bowl. Once the pasta is done, drain it really well and give it a good rinse under cold water. This stops it from cooking further and keeps the noodles from sticking together. Toss that cooled pasta into your big bowl. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes and those lovely fresh mozzarella balls.
Finishing Your Caprese Pasta Salad
Now, sprinkle in the torn or chopped fresh basil. Oh, I just love the smell of fresh basil! Next, drizzle that gorgeous olive oil and the sweet balsamic glaze all over everything. Don’t forget the salt and pepper! Season it up to your liking. Finally, gently toss it all together. Make sure everything is nicely coated. You can serve it right away, or pop it in the fridge for a little bit to let the flavors get to know each other. Sometimes, chilling it for an hour or so makes it even better!
Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad
Making a great Caprese Pasta Salad is pretty simple, but a few little tricks can make it even better. First off, always go for the freshest ingredients you can find. Ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil really make a difference! Be super careful not to overcook your pasta; you want it al dente, with a little bite. Nothing ruins a pasta salad like mushy noodles.
Taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. Sometimes it needs a little more salt or a extra drizzle of glaze. If you have time, letting the salad chill for 30 minutes or so lets those amazing flavors really come together. And remember, you can use pretty much any short pasta shape you love!
Variations for Your Caprese Pasta Salad
One of my favorite things about this Caprese Pasta Salad is how easy it is to switch things up! If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken is absolutely delicious mixed in. A spoonful of pesto can add another layer of flavor, or maybe some thinly sliced red onion for a little bite. You could swap the mozzarella for chunks of provolone or even feta if that’s what you have. And a little secret from my kitchen: using marinated mozzarella balls gives it a wonderful extra burst of flavor without any extra effort!
Serving Suggestions for Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad is pretty perfect all on its own, but it also makes a fantastic side dish. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a simple summer meal. A big chunk of crusty bread is a must for soaking up that yummy dressing! Or, keep it light with a simple green salad on the side.
Storing and Reheating Caprese Pasta Salad
If you happen to have any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad – which is rare in my house! – it stores beautifully. Just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. In fact, heating it up would probably melt the mozzarella and wilt the basil in a way you don’t want. Just give it a quick stir before serving again!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Caprese Pasta Salad
Just a quick note about the nutrition information for this Caprese Pasta Salad. The values I’m sharing here are just an estimate. They can change depending on the exact brands you use for your pasta, cheese, and oil. But based on the recipe, one serving, which is about a cup, has roughly 450 calories. You’ll find about 18g of fat, 15g of protein, and 55g of carbohydrates. It also has some fiber and a little sugar and sodium.
Make This Caprese Pasta Salad Today!
Seriously, what are you waiting for? This Caprese Pasta Salad is such a breeze to make and tastes absolutely incredible. It’s the perfect dish to bring a little bit of sunshine to your table, any day of the week. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! Did you love it? Did you make any fun changes? Leave a comment below and share your experience!
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Shockingly Easy Caprese Pasta Salad in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and fresh pasta salad inspired by the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
- Add the torn or chopped fresh basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- You can use any shape of pasta you like.
- For extra flavor, you can use marinated mozzarella balls.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic glaze to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
