Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. Combining al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and balsamic dressing, it’s an easy-to-make, no-cook pasta salad that bursts with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes for al dente), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Cool Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Let it sit to drain excess water completely.
- Prepare Pasta Base: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl ready for the other ingredients.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Adjust Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust the tanginess or richness by adding more balsamic vinegar or olive oil as preferred.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: To the pasta, add halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil, combining fresh flavors with the pasta base.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle half of the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture to begin tossing.
- Toss Gently: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together, taking care not to break the mozzarella balls to maintain their texture.
- Season Again: After tossing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary for perfect balance.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Final Stir Before Serving: Before serving, stir the salad again to redistribute the dressing evenly and add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar if it appears dry.
- Serve: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnished with extra basil leaves for a fresh presentation.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, adding more dressing before serving if needed.
Notes
- Use fusilli or penne as they hold the dressing and ingredients well.
- Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and helps it cool quickly for salad.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for milder taste.
- Chill the salad to enhance flavor melding but serve within 3 days for freshness.
- Fresh basil enhances aroma; avoid dried for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
