Caprese Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 12 ounce box Bow-tie or farfalle pasta (medium size # 66) (cooked and drained); 8 ounce package of fresh mozzarella pearls ((mini mozzarella balls)); 2 cups (1 ½ pints) of grape tomatoes (cut in half); 1 small bunch of fresh basil (chopped and divided); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves); 0.6 ounce packet of Italian season dressing mix; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey

Jenn

Jul 4, 2024

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This easy-to-make Caprese Pasta Salad recipe has all of the elements and classic Italian flavors of Caprese filled with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella made quickly into a pasta salad! It is a beautifully bright, sweet, and tangy summertime salad that is refreshing light, and simply delicious!

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Our Caprese pasta salad is more than just macaroni and Italian dressing. It features juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a heavenly balsamic dressing that coats each noodle.

This recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for warm-weather meals. Unlike dull pasta salads, this one is anything but boring and will change how you view summer salads.

Easy to prep and make last minute, it can be a main course or a side. Mozzarella adds protein, making it a great vegetarian option. For meat lovers, add grilled chicken for extra protein.

Ingredients Notes

Bow-tie pasta: Any medium pasta will work. Choose one with crevices and curves so it can hold the dressing.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: Mini mozzarella balls make the perfect creamy protein. If mozzarella isn’t available, try a good quality chunky feta or goat cheese instead.
Grape tomatoes: I prefer grape or cherry tomatoes in this recipe, but any ripe fresh tomato will be delicious.
Fresh basil: It is worth using fresh basil in this salad because the flavor is more pronounced.
Extra virgin olive oil: I always suggest using the best olive oil you can buy. For this dressing, I prefer a light and bright extra virgin olive oil with fruity notes. It is best to use olive oil, but you may substitute with avocado oil if you don’t have olive oil.
Balsamic vinegar: Golden balsamic vinegar can be used in this dressing and will be slightly sweeter than regular balsamic with a less caramelized flavor. Rice wine vinegar can also be substituted.
Honey: A natural sweetener for the dressing and glaze.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor.
Packet of Italian season dressing mix: Adds aromatic seasoning and extra zest to the balsamic dressing.

How To Make Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is so easy to make in only 15 minutes–no oven necessary!

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
PRO-TIP: It is important to rinse the pasta if you are using it for a cold pasta salad. Rinsing will not only cool down the pasta but also stop the cooking process. You want the pasta to be Al dente for pasta salads.
Prepare the balsamic dressing by combining all ingredients and chilling in the refrigerator.
Add grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped basil (reserving some for garnish), and ½ cup of the dressing to the pasta. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Meanwhile, make the balsamic glaze by simmering vinegar and honey until reduced by half. Cool completely and store in a jar.
Before serving, drizzle the pasta salad with balsamic glaze and garnish with reserved basil.

all pasta salad ingredients in a bowl. prepare the balsamic dressing in a pan. mix.

Tips & Variations

Pasta: Shorter cuts of pasta are generally used because they hold the dressing. Feel free to experiment with rotini, farfalle, or orecchiette.
Gluten-Free: Feel free to use gluten-free pasta.
Protein: You can make this a meal by adding chicken, tuna, or your favorite meat
Vegan Protein: For a vegan option, you can use non-dairy cheese, avocado, tofu, or tempeh. Note that honey is used in our dressing and is not part of a Vegan diet.
Vegetables/Fruit: Sliced peppers, onions or black or green olives can also be added to the salad.
You can use the balsamic glaze to top fresh fruit and greek yogurt. Sprinkled it with toasted almonds to make a delicious snack.
Briefly cooking the tomatoes on the stove makes their bright flavor pop. It also releases some juices that combine with the olive oil to turn into a light pasta sauce.
Mozzarella “pearls” are easy to find in most grocery stores (they are little mozzarella balls about the diameter of a dime). If you can’t find them, you can buy a standard mozzarella ball and tear it into smaller pieces, or cut any mid-sized mozzarella ball (Ciliegine) into smaller pieces.

Proper Storage

To store leftover Caprese pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Before serving again, give the salad a good stir and consider adding a bit more balsamic dressing or olive oil to refresh the flavors. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing while stored.
Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for extended periods to maintain the freshness and safety of the ingredients.
Make Ahead– This recipe is a great make-ahead dish to prepare and save in the fridge before it is mixed with the balsamic dressing. Make your dressing and save it on the side until you are ready to serve. It will taste even better after all of the flavors have infused together.
Extra balsamic dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in a lidded jar for up to one month. It can be used as a marinade for chicken or on your favorite mixed greens salad.

caprese pasta salad with mozzarella pearls.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta salads are perfect to enjoy as is or you can pair it with other sides or main dishes. Serve this Caprese Pasta Salad with cold meats, grilled veggies, sandwiches, soups or grilled kabobs.