Caprese Pasta Salad Fresh Basil

A vibrant, summery pasta salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil, tossed with a zesty balsamic dressing.

This salad quickly became a favorite summer dish in my family, perfect for picnics and light dinners.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (e.g., fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
• Vegetables & Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 150 g (5 oz) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) halved if large, 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced, 1 small cucumber diced (optional), 1 large handful (about 20 g) fresh basil leaves torn or thinly sliced
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 small garlic clove minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta cherry tomatoes mozzarella red onion cucumber (if using) and basil.

Make Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar whisk together the olive oil balsamic vinegar garlic salt and pepper until emulsified.

Toss Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serve:

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

Save

Sharing this dish always sparks warm conversations and happy moments around the table with family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.

Variations

Add pitted black olives or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for extra flavor. Substitute mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best taste and freshness.

Save

This Caprese pasta salad is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bright flavors that you will want to make again and again.

Cooking Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle are ideal as they hold the dressing and mix well with ingredients.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld. Avoid mixing dressing early to prevent sogginess.

→ How can I enhance the flavor profile?

Adding black olives or toasted pine nuts provides extra depth and texture, balancing the creamy and fresh elements.

→ Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?

Burrata offers a creamier alternative, enhancing richness while maintaining the fresh cheese element.

→ What wine pairs well with this dish?

Light, chilled white wines such as Pinot Grigio complement the fresh and tangy components beautifully.