Caprese Pasta Salad | Feast at home

An easy-to-prepare summer favorite Caprese pasta salad is always a hit! Simple ingredients, quick to make and so good!

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a no-brainer and always a hit! Sticking with the classic flavors of Caprese, we blend cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, short pasta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of garlic and a generous sprinkling of fresh basil. This salad tastes best when left to sit for about 30 minutes to an hour or two, as the noodles will soak up the flavors.

Why you will love this salad

1. It’s a quick and easy pasta salad that can be made in 30 minutes.
2. Caprese Pasta Salad is made from simple ingredients—affordable and accessible.
3. Make it in the summer when the tomatoes are at their peak and the flavors are delicious!

Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad

Notes on the ingredients of the Caprese Pasta Salad

• Pasta- one of your favorite short pasta with work. We like Cavatappi, Fusilli, Torchetti or Penne.
• cherry tomato sweet and easy to find, but you can use any fresh garden tomato cut into bite-sized pieces.
• fresh mozzarella Look for mini mozzarella balls called ciliegine that are “cherry-sized” and pair well with cherry tomatoes, or cut any size fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Feta cubes or crumbled goat cheese are also suitable substitutes.
• Fresh basil– this is the key to creating the classic fresh flavors of Caprese.
• Balsamic vinegar- We use regular balsamic vinegar, but white balsamic vinegar would also be good. Good quality increases the taste!

*For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

STEP 1)– Cook the noodles in boiling salted water (the water should taste like the sea). Cook according to pack instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.

STEP 2)– In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

STEP 3)– Add the cooked pasta, sliced ​​cherry tomatoes, sliced ​​mozzarella, fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) and mix well. adjust salt.

For the best flavor, let the pasta salad sit for 30 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge). It is best to serve the next day as the tomatoes tend to break down. However, leftovers will taste good for up to 2 days if refrigerated.

STEP 4)– Before serving, stir, taste again and add more salt and vinegar to taste. Add a few more basil leaves and season with pepper and red pepper flakes (if desired).

What to serve with the Caprese Pasta Salad

More pasta salads you may like

Enjoy this easy summer salad!

~Tonia

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