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Fresh Summer Pasta

Featured in Crisp and Refreshing Salads.

Transform the classic Caprese salad into a satisfying pasta dish. Short pasta tossed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil in a balsamic-olive oil dressing.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:36 GMT
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A bowl of pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, garnished with herbs and seasoning. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, garnished with herbs and seasoning. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite summer pasta salad that brings Italy right to your table! This Caprese Pasta Salad combines juicy tomatoes creamy mozzarella and fresh basil with perfectly cooked pasta. I love how versatile it is - serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch or at room temp for dinner. You can even customize it with your favorite add-ins!

A Fresh Take on a Classic

What I love about this dish is how it transforms the simple Caprese salad from Capri into something more substantial. We keep all those beautiful Italian flag colors and fresh flavors while making it into a satisfying meal.

What You'll Need

  • The Basics: - Your favorite short pasta (12 oz) - Sweet cherry tomatoes halved - Fresh mozzarella balls - Lots of fresh basil
  • The Dressing: - Good olive oil - Rich balsamic glaze - Fresh minced garlic - Salt and pepper to taste

Let's Make It Together

Cook Your Pasta:
Get that water boiling cook pasta until perfect cool under cold water.
Mix Your Dressing:
Whisk olive oil balsamic garlic and seasonings until smooth.
Bring It Together:
Toss pasta tomatoes mozzarella and basil with that amazing dressing.
Let It Rest:
Give those flavors time to mingle in the fridge.

Perfect Pairings

This salad is amazing with garlic bread crisp Caesar salad or grilled vegetables. Try it alongside prosciutto-wrapped melon or lemon chicken for a complete meal. It even works beautifully with creamy tomato soup!

Good For You Too

You'll love knowing this salad is packed with goodness - antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil protein from the mozzarella and energy from the pasta. Want to make it even healthier? Try whole grain pasta for extra fiber.

My Best Tips

Don't overcook that pasta! Use the best ingredients you can find - they really make a difference. Always let it chill to bring out those flavors and season well to balance everything perfectly.

A close-up view of a bowl of pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl of pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make It Your Own

Try adding toasted pine nuts crunchy croutons or a sprinkle of chili flakes. Switch up the pasta shapes try roasted peppers or make it vegan with your favorite substitutes - it's so adaptable!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short, sturdy shapes like fusilli, penne, or bowtie hold ingredients and dressing well.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but add basil just before serving to keep it fresh. Extra dressing may be needed.

→ How long does it keep?

Stays fresh 2-3 days in fridge. May need to refresh with dressing.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, try roasted peppers, artichokes, or greens like arugula for variety.

→ Why rinse the pasta?

Rinsing stops cooking and prevents sticking in cold salads.

Caprese Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad combining classic Caprese ingredients - cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 12 oz pasta (fusilli, bowtie or penne).
02 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved.
03 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls.
04 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped.
05 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
06 2 tbsp balsamic glaze.
07 2 cloves garlic, minced.
08 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Rinse with cold water, cool.

Step 02

Whisk olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic, salt, pepper for dressing.

Step 03

Combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil in large bowl.

Step 04

Pour dressing over, toss gently.

Step 05

Chill 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 06

Toss again before serving.

Step 07

Optional: drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top.

Notes

  1. Use short pasta shapes that hold dressing well.
  2. Can make extra dressing to serve on side.
  3. Add seasonal variations like heirloom tomatoes.
  4. Try adding arugula or roasted vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Salad tongs.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 12 g