If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly irresistible dish that feels like summer on a plate, the Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is your perfect go-to. This salad combines tender farfalle pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and aromatic fresh basil leaves, all brought together with a luscious balsamic glaze and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s bright, colorful, and bursting with classic Italian flavors in a simple yet satisfying pasta salad that your whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a harmonious balance of texture, color, and flavor that feels both light and indulgent.
- 8 oz farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape holds onto the dressing and ingredients beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved: These sweet, juicy bursts bring vibrant color and a fresh tang to the salad.
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls: Silky and creamy, they add a cool contrast to the juicy tomatoes and pasta.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn: Basil infuses the dish with its distinctive aromatic, peppery flavor that makes the salad unmistakably Italian.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of rich, fruity olive oil enhances every ingredient and binds the salad together.
- ½ tsp salt: Just enough to elevate the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the mix.
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze: The sweet, tangy glaze is the finishing touch, adding gorgeous glossy appeal and a delicious complexity to the salad.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the farfalle pasta and cook it until just al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight firmness to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water immediately. This step stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy as well as reducing stickiness—perfect for a pasta salad!
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes so they release their juicy goodness throughout the salad. Take your fresh basil leaves and either slice or tear them gently to release their wonderful aroma and flavor without bruising them too much.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Components
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled farfalle pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. This is where the colors and textures start to come together — the creamy mozzarella contrasts beautifully with the bright tomatoes and verdant basil.
Step 4: Dress and Season the Salad
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every bite is infused with that lovely flavorful coating.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch with Balsamic Glaze
Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad. This not only adds a glossy, appetizing sheen but brings a sweet and tangy punch that elevates the Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe to a new level of deliciousness. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best results.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and crunch, consider adding a few extra fresh basil leaves on top right before serving. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also add delightful textures and flavors, making your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe even more impressive.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or a light white fish to create a well-rounded meal. It’s also perfect as part of a picnic spread or a summer barbecue, complementing smoky, charred flavors elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. Layer some baby greens beneath the pasta for extra volume and texture, or assemble it as a composed salad on a large platter for a pretty, rustic table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so toss gently with a splash of olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving again to refresh it.
Freezing
Because of the fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, and tomatoes, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing can cause these delicate ingredients to become mushy or watery upon thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it warm, serve freshly cooked farfalle and toss with the other ingredients just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While farfalle is traditional and visually appealing, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work wonderfully as they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the other ingredients.
Is this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply swap out the mozzarella pearls for a plant-based cheese alternative or marinated tofu cubes, and ensure your balsamic glaze contains no honey or other animal products.
How long does the salad stay fresh once mixed?
The salad is best eaten within 24 to 48 hours of preparation. Fresh basil tends to wilt, and the tomatoes and mozzarella might release too much liquid the longer it sits, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make excellent protein additions. They not only boost the health factor but complement the classic Caprese flavors perfectly.
What’s the best way to make my own balsamic glaze?
You can make a simple balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces by about half and thickens into a syrupy consistency. Just be careful not to burn it! This homemade version tastes fantastic on your Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe inspires you to bring a little sunshine and joy to your table any day of the week. Its bright colors, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors make it an unforgettable dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Once you try it, you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing that magic with friends and family!
Print
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Caprese Pasta Salad combining tender farfalle pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, sliced or torn
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add farfalle pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Vegetables and Herbs: While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice or tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces for better distribution in the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and prepared basil leaves.
- Season and Toss: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss all ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy and slightly sweet finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade balsamic glaze or high-quality store-bought glaze.
- Make sure to rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add basil and balsamic glaze just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- Optional: Add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
