What ingredients do I need to make Caprese pasta salad?

To make Caprese pasta salad, you will need cooked pasta (commonly penne or rotini), fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, add minced garlic or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for extra flavor. These simple, fresh ingredients combine to create a light and flavorful salad inspired by the traditional Caprese salad.

How do I keep Caprese pasta salad fresh and prevent the mozzarella from getting soggy?

To keep Caprese pasta salad fresh, prepare and mix the ingredients shortly before serving. Drain any excess liquid from mozzarella balls to avoid sogginess, and consider chilling the salad for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its bright color and flavor.

Can I make Caprese pasta salad ahead of time for a party or picnic?

Yes, Caprese pasta salad can be made a few hours ahead, which allows the flavors to develop. For best results, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil separately to prevent clumping, and add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil just before serving. Keep the salad chilled during transport and dress it with balsamic glaze or vinegar right before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

What variations can I try to customize my Caprese pasta salad?

You can customize Caprese pasta salad by adding ingredients such as sliced avocado, olives, or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor. Swap balsamic glaze for lemon juice or red wine vinegar for a different tang. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can complement or substitute basil for a twist.

Is Caprese pasta salad a healthy meal option?

Caprese pasta salad is a balanced dish featuring fresh vegetables, protein from mozzarella, and carbohydrates from pasta. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from olive oil. To make it lighter, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and reduce the cheese portion. This salad is great for a nutritious lunch or side dish, offering a satisfying yet fresh and wholesome option.

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe With Fresh Mozzarella And Tomatoes

Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 8 ounces cavatappi pasta; – ⅓ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling); – 2 tablespoons lemon juice; – 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; – ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese; – ¼ cup shaved pecorino; – 2 cloves grated garlic; – 1 teaspoon salt; – freshly ground pepper (to taste); – 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes; – 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (halved); – ½ cup thinly sliced red onion; – a heaping cup torn fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Description

🍝 Caprese Pasta Salad combines fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
🌿 This vibrant salad is easy to prepare and makes a perfect light meal or side that can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later.

Ingredients

– 8 ounces cavatappi pasta

– ⅓ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

– ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese

– ¼ cup shaved pecorino

– 2 cloves grated garlic

– 1 teaspoon salt

– freshly ground pepper (to taste)

– 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

– 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (halved)

– ½ cup thinly sliced red onion

– a heaping cup torn fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1-Making this Caprese Pasta Salad is straightforward and fun, fitting for busy schedules. Start by cooking 8 ounces of cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until just past al dente, which takes about 15 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking, then spread it out to cool.

2-Next, in a large bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup of grated pecorino cheese, 2 cloves of grated garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Add the cooled pasta and toss it well to coat every piece. Now, mix in 3 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved mini mozzarella balls, ½ cup of thinly sliced red onion, and a heaping cup of torn fresh basil leaves, then toss again gently.

3-Finally, fold in the ¼ cup of shaved pecorino and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra basil leaves and serve right away. This method ensures the flavors meld beautifully, making it a 30-minute delight. For more tips on pasta prep, it’s worth checking out how we handle similar steps in our creative rice bowl recipes, which add variety to your meals.

Notes

🍅 For added texture and protein, consider adding chickpeas to the salad.
🌿 Store basil separately if refrigerating to maintain freshness up to 4 days.
🕒 This salad keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, tossing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: caprese pasta salad, fresh mozzarella salad, tomato basil pasta, Italian pasta salad