Caprese pasta salad is a fresh, colorful dish inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. It combines pasta, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a simple dressing for a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer.
🥗 Ingredients
- 300g pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
- Drain and rinse briefly with cool water
2. Prepare the Ingredients
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Drain mozzarella
- Tear basil leaves
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk:
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze/vinegar
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt & pepper
4. Assemble the Salad
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl
- Pour dressing over the top
- Toss gently until evenly coated
5. Serve
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Drizzle extra balsamic glaze before serving if desired
🌿 Flavor Profile
- Fresh & juicy → tomatoes
- Creamy & mild → mozzarella
- Herby & aromatic → basil
- Tangy & rich → balsamic dressing
💡 Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture
- Don’t overcook the pasta
- Add basil just before serving to keep it vibrant
- Chill for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor
✨ Variations
- 🍗 Add grilled chicken for extra protein
- 🥑 Add avocado for creaminess
- 🌱 Make it vegan using dairy-free mozzarella
- 🌶️ Add chili flakes for heat
- 🫒 Add olives for Mediterranean flavor
🍽️ Perfect For
- Summer BBQs
- Picnics
- Meal prep lunches
- Potlucks
- Light dinners
