Caprese Pasta Salad is a beautiful summer salad that is light, fresh and so easy to make! It is a great make-ahead vegetarian dish, perfect for a summer bbq or picnic!
This easy Caprese pasta salad is pretty healthy compared to many pasta salad recipes that use mayo, etc… It will keep for up to 3 days if refrigerated in an airtight container, which makes it a great make-ahead dish for parties or get-togethers.
A Caprese Pasta Salad doesn’t have to be just a side dish. It makes a great vegetarian lunch or you can toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make a very healthy and satisfying dinner. You can also alter this recipe with different types of pasta and toss in some fresh baby spinach if you would like to add more nutrients. It’s totally up to you so feel free to get creative and have fun. I hope you enjoy!
Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients
Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients are simple, fresh and can easily be adjusted to your personal preference. You can also add in some additional protein if desired.
- Bow Tie Pasta – Cooked, drained and cooled.
- Cherry Tomatoes – halved or whole, I like to mix it up with both, your choice.
- Fresh Mozzarella – Ciliegine (cherry size balls)
- fresh basil – Chopped or shredded.
- Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette – Recipe below. You can also substitute store-bought if you are in a pinch.
- Optional – grated parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze. – I highly recommend!
Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Garlic – minced or chopped
- Kosher Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper
- Dried Italian Seasoning or fresh herbs of your choice.
How to make Caprese Pasta Salad
First, boil your pasta according to the package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, make the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking all of the ingredients to combine and set aside.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and run under cold water for about 3 – 5 minutes or until the pasta is completely cooled. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and add the tomatoes, mozzarella and chopped basil.
Finally, pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Garnish with parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta Cooked, drained and cooled.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved or whole
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine (cherry size balls)
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Basil chopped or shredded
- 1 batch Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe below.
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt add more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper add more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or fresh herbs
Instructions
- First, boil your pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking all of the ingredients to combine and set aside. *see notes
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and run under cold water for about 3 - 5 minutes or until the pasta is completely cooled. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and add the tomatoes, mozzarella and chopped basil.
- Finally, pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Garnish with parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
(This recipe was originally published on July 10th, 2018 and has been updated with a new recipe card.)
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