Go Back
- 12 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Use 12 ounces of pasta. This will serve about six people. A cup holds eight ounces of liquid. You will need one cup each for tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Use two tablespoons of balsamic glaze for sweetness. Add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. For a kick, add one clove of minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Select high-quality pasta. Fusilli or rotini holds the dressing well. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls should be soft and creamy. Look for vibrant basil leaves. They should smell fresh and fragrant. Use a good brand of balsamic glaze for the right balance of sweet and tangy. Lastly, extra virgin olive oil adds depth and flavor. Always taste your ingredients; quality matters. For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad Delight . First, get a big pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, add 12 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Check the package for exact times. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it with cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process. Now, let’s make the dressing. Grab a small bowl. In that bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. If you want more flavor, add 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For some heat, toss in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it is well blended. It’s time to put the salad together. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. Don’t forget 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves! Pour the dressing over the pasta and other ingredients. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta and veggies get coated well with the dressing. Taste your salad. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or balsamic glaze. If you have time, chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mingle nicely. For the best look, serve it in a large, shallow bowl. Add more fresh basil on top and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a nice finish. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad! For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad Delight. When cooking pasta, always use plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add a good amount of salt to the water. It enhances the flavor of the pasta. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it quickly. To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil makes a big difference. You can also add minced garlic for extra taste. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Balsamic glaze adds a sweet touch that ties everything together. Taste your salad before serving. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or glaze if needed. For a beautiful salad, serve it in a shallow bowl. This lets the colors shine. Garnish with extra basil leaves on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice finish. You can also sprinkle more mozzarella on top. This makes the salad look tempting and fresh. {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta type. Try penne or farfalle for fun shapes. Use heirloom tomatoes if you want a flavor boost. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, use shredded mozzarella instead. For a creamier taste, swap in burrata cheese. You can add olives for a salty kick. If you like nuts, sprinkle in some pine nuts or walnuts. This salad fits many diets. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. If you need a vegan dish, skip the cheese and use avocado. You can also use a vegan dressing made from olive oil and vinegar. If you are dairy-free, try a nut-based cheese. This recipe is easy to adapt for various needs. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats. You can also serve it as a light lunch. For a picnic, pack it in a container. Add a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. To impress guests, layer it in a clear bowl. This salad looks beautiful with its colors. For a fresh touch, add extra basil on top. For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Pasta Salad Delight. To store leftover Caprese pasta salad, use a tight container. This keeps the salad fresh. Place it in the fridge right after serving. It tastes best when eaten within three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to keep the dressing separate. This helps prevent the pasta from getting soggy. Freezing pasta salad is not the best choice. The texture of the mozzarella and basil changes when frozen. If you prefer to freeze it, I suggest leaving out the cheese and basil. You can add them back in after thawing. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The shelf life of Caprese pasta salad is about three days in the fridge. After this time, the salad may lose flavor and freshness. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to throw it away. Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh dish that combines pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It draws inspiration from the classic Caprese salad. The dish bursts with flavor and color. You get creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil in every bite. The dressing, made from olive oil and balsamic glaze, adds a tangy touch. This salad is perfect for warm days or as a side dish. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It holds up well in the fridge for a day or two. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely. Just remember to store it in an airtight container. Before serving, give it a quick stir. You might want to add a little more dressing if it seems dry. You can add several ingredients to make it more filling. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You could also mix in some chickpeas or black beans for a hearty twist. For added crunch, try sliced cucumbers or bell peppers. You can even toss in some artichoke hearts for a unique flavor. If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes, this salad can be gluten-free friendly. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of fusilli or rotini pasta. Just check the label to ensure it meets your needs. The other ingredients, like tomatoes and mozzarella, are naturally gluten-free. To see the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad Delight . You will find all the steps and ingredients you need to create this vibrant dish. In this post, we explored making a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. You learned how to store leftovers and make variations. This dish is simple and perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it fresh or as a filling dish. Remember, with the right ingredients and these steps, you can impress anyone. Embrace your cooking skills and have fun with this easy recipe. Enjoy creating your own version of this yummy salad!

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Indulge in the freshness of Caprese Pasta Salad Delight! This quick and easy recipe combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant salad that everyone will love. Click to explore this delightful recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine, making sure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

          Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze to your preference.

            Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves on top and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a decorative finish. You can also sprinkle with extra mozzarella for an appealing look!