Go Back
- 12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, also known as bocconcini - 1 cup arugula - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned To start, you need your pasta. Fusilli or rotini works best for this dish. Their curves hold the sauce well. Next, grab some cherry tomatoes. Halve them to add sweetness and color. Fresh mozzarella balls give a creamy texture. They melt in your mouth. Arugula adds a peppery bite, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich flavor. - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for spice The dressing makes this salad shine. Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste. Balsamic vinegar adds tanginess. Honey balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance everything. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. This dressing brings all the ingredients together in a delicious way. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, cook 12 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta. Follow the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture; it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps cool the pasta down, making it perfect for the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls. Next, add 1 cup of arugula, ½ cup of torn fresh basil leaves, and ½ cup of julienned sun-dried tomatoes. These fresh ingredients bring color and flavor to your dish. Now, let's prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a kick, include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This dressing ties all the flavors together. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Make sure the dressing covers all the ingredients. Then, taste the salad. You can adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or honey if needed. After that, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend nicely. Once ready to serve, give the salad a light toss again. If you like, garnish with more torn basil leaves for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad! Cooking Pasta Al Dente Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm but not hard. For this salad, cook the fusilli or rotini according to the package. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Al dente pasta holds up better in a salad. Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Fresh mozzarella balls add creaminess. Arugula gives a peppery bite, while basil adds a fragrant touch. Sun-dried tomatoes boost the taste with their rich, intense flavor. These fresh ingredients are key to a vibrant salad. Best Ways to Serve Serve your Caprese pasta salad chilled. This dish is great for picnics or barbecues. You can also serve it as a side dish at dinner. A light drizzle of extra olive oil on top can add a nice touch. Garnishing with more basil leaves makes it look fresh and inviting. Pairing with Proteins or Side Dishes This pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread for a fuller meal. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or beans for protein. These pairings round out the meal and make it satisfying. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially the basil and arugula, to enhance the flavor of the salad. Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken or olives for a heartier salad. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free Caprese pasta salad, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make pasta from rice, corn, or quinoa. These options taste great and keep the salad light. Cook the gluten-free pasta until it is just right. Cool it down the same way as regular pasta, then mix it with the veggies and cheese. To make this salad vegetarian, all you need to do is skip the honey in the dressing. For a vegan option, swap the mozzarella with tofu or avocado. You could also use vegan cheese if you prefer. This keeps the dish creamy and adds healthy fats. The fresh basil and arugula remain perfect for flavor. You can enhance the taste of your Caprese salad in many ways. Consider adding olives for a salty kick. You might also add roasted red peppers for sweetness. If you like nuts, pine nuts or walnuts can provide crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can brighten up the dish. Mix and match these ingredients for your perfect salad! Store your Caprese pasta salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to cover it well to prevent odors from other foods. If you want to keep the salad even fresher, add a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the lid. How long does it last in the fridge? Your Caprese pasta salad can last about 3 to 5 days. After that, the ingredients might lose their crispness. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration. If it looks or smells strange, it’s best to throw it away. Best ways to reheat without losing quality? You can enjoy this salad cold, which is how it shines. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the pasta mushy. You can store Caprese Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps the salad stay crisp and tasty. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. If it looks dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to refresh it. Yes, you can! Feel free to swap fusilli or rotini for other pasta shapes. Penne, farfalle, or even bowtie pasta work well too. Each shape holds the dressing and flavors differently. This lets you create a new twist on the classic salad. Choose any shape you enjoy or have on hand. If you want a heartier salad, there are plenty of options. Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. You can also toss in roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Nuts or seeds, like pine nuts or sunflower seeds, add crunch. These add-ins make the salad more satisfying and flavorful. Experiment with your favorites! You can create a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad with simple steps and fresh ingredients. Start with pasta and combine it with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and arugula. Add a tangy dressing for extra flavor. Remember, you can make it gluten-free or vegan, too. Store it properly in the fridge, and it will last a few days. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a main meal. With these tips, your pasta salad will impress everyone at the table. Make it your own with fun variations!

Caprese Pasta Salad with a Twist

A refreshing pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula with a flavorful dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1 cup arugula
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the fusilli or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, arugula, fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. If you like some heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, and gently toss everything together until well coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
  • Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, give the salad a final light toss and garnish with additional torn basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Keyword caprese, easy, pasta salad, vegetarian