Go Back
- Pasta and Fresh Produce - 8 oz (225 g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, gently torn - Condiments and Seasoning - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Zest of 1 lemon The key to a great Caprese pasta salad lies in fresh ingredients. I love using farfalle pasta for its fun shape. It holds the dressing well and looks beautiful. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of color and sweetness. Fresh mozzarella gives that creamy texture, while basil adds a bright flavor. For the dressing, I combine olive oil and balsamic glaze. This mix gives a rich taste that complements the salad. Garlic powder and lemon zest add layers of flavor without being overpowering. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. I always encourage home cooks to choose the best quality produce. The vibrant colors and flavors will elevate your dish. You can find the full recipe for this delightful salad in the next section. To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring this water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, toss in the farfalle pasta. Cook the pasta as the package says, usually 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, which means firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled farfalle pasta. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Use a spatula or tongs to mix gently. Be careful not to crush the mozzarella. You want each piece to stay whole for the best taste and look. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, add extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend smoothly. This dressing will add a lot of flavor to your salad. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure everything gets coated in the dressing. Taste the salad to see if it needs more salt or pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors mix well. Before serving, give the salad a light toss. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. For a nice touch, add a few fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy this delightful Caprese Pasta Salad! For the full recipe, refer to the detailed list provided earlier. To get great pasta, always cook it in salted water. This adds flavor. I use farfalle for its fun shape. Cook it until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops it from cooking more. Cooling the pasta helps keep it fresh in the salad. To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. I love using ripe cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. Adding a splash of lemon zest brightens the dish. You can also mix in a pinch of garlic powder for depth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasonings. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. For a stunning look, serve your salad in a large, shallow bowl. This lets the colors shine. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. You can also add a few whole basil leaves for a pop of green. This makes the dish inviting and ready for any table. For the complete details on this recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your Caprese pasta salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp work well. They bring a tasty twist and make this dish heartier. You can also use chickpeas or beans for a vegetarian option. Just toss them in with the pasta and veggies. This adds flavor and makes your meal more filling. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the farfalle pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. Just cook it according to the package instructions. You will still enjoy the lovely flavors of the Caprese salad without the gluten. Want to change the dressing? You can try a lemon vinaigrette. Just mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a bit of honey. This gives a bright taste. You could also use a pesto sauce for a rich, herb-filled flavor. Experimenting with different dressings can make this dish feel new every time. For the full recipe, check out the Vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad . To store your Caprese pasta salad, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh. It is best if eaten within three days. The pasta can absorb the dressing over time, which may change the texture. Keep the salad refrigerated until serving. If you want to enjoy it later, store the dressing separately. Combine the salad and dressing just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. Caprese pasta salad is best served cold. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in the microwave. Heat in short intervals, about 15 seconds at a time. Stir well to avoid hot spots. A Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh dish that mixes pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It takes the classic Caprese salad and adds pasta for a filling meal. The bright colors and flavors make it fun to eat. You get creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil in every bite. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great after sitting for a bit. Make it a few hours before you plan to serve it. This gives the flavors time to blend. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If the salad seems dry, you can add a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze when serving. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can use other cheeses if you want to mix it up. Try feta cheese for a salty kick or goat cheese for a creamy texture. You can even use parmesan for a different flavor. Each cheese gives the salad a unique taste. This blog post covered how to make a Caprese Pasta Salad. We explored the best ingredients like fresh produce, sauces, and seasonings. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, combining, and dressing the salad. I also included tips for perfect pasta and creative variations to try. Finally, we talked about storage tips to keep your salad fresh. Choose your favorite ingredients and enjoy this dish any time!

Best Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing flavors of Vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad in this easy recipe! With colorful cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to combine these ingredients into a delightful bowl of sunshine that everyone will love. Ready to elevate your meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with your cooking skills!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, gently torn

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled farfalle pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Use a spatula or tongs to gently mix the ingredients together without crushing the mozzarella.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well blended and emulsified.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly coated in the dressing.

          Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or freshly ground pepper to your taste.

            Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves on top.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl for a beautiful display and drizzle a tiny bit more balsamic glaze on top for an elegant look.