Name: Amazing Easy Caprese Pasta Salad in 25 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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You know those nights? The ones where you get home, you’re tired, and the thought of cooking anything complicated makes you want to just order takeout? Yeah, I’ve been there, more times than I can count. That’s exactly why I started looking for truly simple meals that still felt special and tasted amazing. And that’s how this easy Caprese Pasta Salad became a total lifesaver in my kitchen.

It’s got all the bright, fresh flavors I love – sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – all tossed with tender pasta. It comes together in hardly any time at all, which is perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. This isn’t some fussy, complicated recipe. It’s just good, honest food that makes you feel happy.

Clara and Savana over at 911Recipes really get it. They’re all about making cooking doable, even when life is crazy. This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is just one example of their genius for simple, delicious meals.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Honestly, what’s not to love? This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a winner for so many reasons. It hits all the right notes when you need something delicious without a lot of fuss.

It’s super fast! You can have this on the table in about 25 minutes.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
The fresh flavors of tomato, basil, and mozzarella are just unbeatable.
It works as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a simple dinner.
It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a lazy afternoon meal.

It really is the definition of easy and delicious.

Ingredients for Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Putting together this easy Caprese Pasta Salad is simple because the ingredient list is short and sweet. You probably have some of these things already!

8 ounces of pasta, like rotini or penne. Any shape that holds little bits is great.
1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Make sure to halve these so their sweetness bursts out.
8 ounces of fresh mozzarella balls, often called bocconcini. Halve or quarter them depending on size.
1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped up. Don’t skip the fresh basil!
2 tablespoons of good olive oil for drizzling.
2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. This adds a lovely tangy sweetness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to taste.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Let’s talk about getting the most out of these simple ingredients for your easy Caprese Pasta Salad. Using fresh mozzarella really makes a difference in the creamy texture.

If you can’t find bocconcini, a large ball of fresh mozzarella cut into cubes works too. For tomatoes, grape tomatoes are a fine substitute for cherry tomatoes. If basil isn’t easily available, a sprinkle of dried oregano could add an Italian flavor, but fresh is best here.

Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape; just make sure it’s something that can grab onto the other ingredients.

Equipment Needed for This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this easy Caprese Pasta Salad. Just some basic kitchen stuff you likely already have.

A large pot to cook your pasta.
A colander for draining the pasta.
A big bowl for mixing everything together.

That’s really all there is to it! See? Easy peasy.

How to Prepare Your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Alright, let’s get this easy Caprese Pasta Salad made! It’s really straightforward, promise. Just follow these simple steps:

First things first, cook your pasta. Get a big pot of water boiling and add a good pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, meaning tender but still has a little bite.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it really well using your colander. This is a key step for a good pasta salad! Then, rinse the pasta under cold water until it cools down completely. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting sticky. Let it drain again thoroughly.
While the pasta cools, grab your largest mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta, the halved cherry tomatoes, and the mozzarella balls you’ve halved or quartered.
Now for the flavor! Drizzle the olive oil evenly over everything in the bowl. Follow that up with the balsamic glaze. Don’t be shy here; the glaze is what gives it that classic Caprese tang.
Toss in your chopped fresh basil. The smell alone is amazing!
Now, gently toss everything together. You want to coat the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella with the oil and glaze without smashing the tomatoes or breaking up the cheese too much.
Finally, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper. Start with a little, then add more if you think it needs it.

And that’s it! Your easy Caprese Pasta Salad is ready to go. So simple, right?

Tips for Making the Best Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Want to make your easy Caprese Pasta Salad absolutely sing? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

Make sure your basil is really fresh; it makes a world of difference in the flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta; that al dente texture is perfect for salads. If you have time, letting the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together even more. A little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving can brighten everything up.

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is super versatile when it comes to serving! It’s fantastic all by itself as a light lunch or simple dinner.

It also makes a perfect side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or even some simple burgers. I love bringing it to potlucks and picnics because it’s always a crowd-pleaser and holds up well. It’s really just a feel-good dish for any casual meal.

Storing and Reheating Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

If you happen to have any of this delicious easy Caprese Pasta Salad leftover (which doesn’t happen often at my house!), storing it is simple.

Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Because of the fresh ingredients, this salad isn’t really meant for reheating. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating might make the tomatoes mushy and the mozzarella a bit odd. Just enjoy it cold the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Got questions about making this easy Caprese Pasta Salad? Here are some common ones I get!

Can I use different types of tomatoes? Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are classic, you could use halved grape tomatoes or even chopped larger tomatoes like Roma, just make sure they aren’t too watery.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? You can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens. Or, just use a good quality balsamic vinegar, though the flavor will be less sweet and syrupy.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! You can cook and cool the pasta, halve the tomatoes and mozzarella, and chop the basil a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge. Dress the salad right before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What other ingredients could I add? Grilled chicken or shrimp are great additions to make it a main meal. Some folks like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you have an idea, here’s an estimated look at the nutrition per serving for this easy Caprese Pasta Salad. Remember, these are just estimates!

A typical serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) has around 350 calories. You’ll get about 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates.

Ready to Make Easy Caprese Pasta Salad?

So, are you ready to give this easy Caprese Pasta Salad a try? I really hope you do! It’s become such a go-to for me when I need something simple but packed with flavor. It never disappoints.

If you make it, please come back and let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below or even rate the recipe. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations. Happy cooking!