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    Recipes » Caprese Pasta Salad

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Jul 29, 2019 · 4 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a great addition to your meal rotation. It's an easy weeknight recipe that's ready in less than 20 minutes.

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Recipe Inspiration

    This Caprese Pasta Salad will be your new favorite pasta salad recipe!

    With juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, mozzarella, and al dente pasta are delicious in this simple salad. It's like a traditional caprese salad, just in salad form!

    I love this for a light lunch, backyard BBQ, or for meal prep. It's a great side dish, and could even be made into a main course with the addition of a protein.

    This pasta salad is versatile, too. It's great warm, cold, or at room temperature!

    If you're looking for more pasta recipes, check out our Mushroom Pasta, Lemon Butter Pasta, and Kale Gnocchi.

    Caprese Pasta Salad
    Jump to:
    • Recipe Inspiration
    • Why You'll Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Expert Tips and Tricks
    • Kitchen Equipment
    • Recipe Substitutions/Variations
    • What To Serve With
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe Storage and Reheating
    • Other Recipes to Try
    • Caprese Pasta Salad

    Why You'll Love this Recipe

    Delicious - This Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!

    Approachable - This recipe is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe. It's great for an easy weeknight dinner!

    Kid Friendly - This is a great recipe for adults and children!

    Ingredients

    Here are the fresh ingredients you will need for this simple caprese pasta salad recipe:

    • Pasta - Short pasta is best in this recipe
    • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Always use good quality!
    • Cherry Tomatoes - halved or quartered. You can also use grape tomatoes
    • Fresh Mozzarella Balls
    • Fresh Basil - Plus more for serving
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Balsamic Glaze - This is optional

    Directions

    Let's make this simple recipe together!

    Step 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

    Step 2

    Combine cooked pasta, extra virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss well.

    Step 3

    Serve with additional fresh basil or balsamic glaze.

    Expert Tips and Tricks

    Here are some expert tips to make this delicious pasta salad recipe perfect.

    Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with an arugula salad with homemade balsamic dressing and a glass of red wine!

    Utilize Leftovers - Use leftovers for meal prep. Add grilled chicken breast or Italian sausage for a delicious prepared lunch for the entire family!

    Tomato Tips - Use fresh tomatoes for the best flavor in this pasta salad. I love making this dish in the summer and picking sweet cherry tomatoes straight from my garden.

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    Kitchen Equipment

    Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.

    Fusilli Noodles - These are the noodles shown in the recipe - they are SO good! They might be hard to find in store, so I recommend buying online.

    Tomato Knife - I have this tomato knife and absolutely love it! I highly recommend for cutting any type of tomato.

    Pasta Bowl - These pasta bowls are the perfect bowl for this pasta recipe!

    Recipe Substitutions/Variations

    Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.

    Cheese Variation - Creamy mozzarella balls, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even a large ball of fresh mozzarella would be delicious in this recipe. Burrata would be great too!

    Pasta Option - A shorter pasta is best in this recipe because all of the ingredients easily fit on your fork. I recommend bowtie pasta, shellbows, or rotini pasta.

    Add a Dressing - Instead of balsamic glaze, you could add a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a splash of white balsamic vinegar. 

    Caprese Pasta Salad

    What To Serve With

    Here are some suggestions on what to serve this pasta dish with:

    • Chicken Limone
    • Tomato Crostini
    • Spinach Stuffed Salmon
    • Lemon Pepper Shrimp
    • Pan Fried Sea Bass
    • Marinated Mozzarella Balls
    • Limoncello Spritz
    • Simple Charcuterie Board
    • Lemon Goat Cheese Tart
    • Peach Panzanella Salad

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What wine pairs well with a caprese salad?

    A dry white wine or a light red wine would both pair great with a caprese salad.

    What is a caprese salad?

    A caprese salad is an Italian salad with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

    Which tomatoes are best for a caprese salad?

    Heirloom tomatoes are best for a classic caprese salad. For this caprese pasta salad, I recommend using ripe cherry tomatoes.

    Recipe Storage and Reheating

    Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.

    Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.

    Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.

    Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.

    Other Recipes to Try

    • Spaghetti alla Nerano
    • Roasted Italian Cauliflower
    • Negroni Spritz
    • French Martini

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave us a star rating below! Plus, find us on Instagram and Pinterest.


    Caprese Pasta Salad

    This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a great addition to your meal rotation. It's an easy weeknight recipe that's ready in less than 20 minutes.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 427 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb short pasta
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 10 oz cherry tomatoes quartered or halved
    • 2 cups spinach
    • 16 oz fresh mozzarella balls
    • 1 cup fresh basil plus more for serving
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • Balsamic Glaze optional

    Instructions
     

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    • Combine cooked pasta, extra virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss well.
    • Serve with additional fresh basil or balsamic glaze.
    Keyword Caprese Pasta Salad
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joe Conner says

      February 06, 2022 at 1:08 pm

      5 stars
      My two favorite foods, caprese and pasta! A great, easy side dish.

      Reply
      • Christina Musgrave says

        February 06, 2022 at 1:46 pm

        It doesn't get any better!!!

        Reply
    2. Kennedy says

      August 04, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      SO GOOD! The drizzle of balsamic was perfect. Very fresh and flavorful. This will definitely be my go to dish for visitors or parties!

      Reply
      • Christina Musgrave says

        August 05, 2022 at 10:05 am

        We love this recipe for entertaining too! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply

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