Can I make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors have more time to blend together.

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?

Yes. Regular balsamic works well, though it gives the salad a darker appearance and slightly richer flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

A drizzle of olive oil before storing helps a lot. Adding a spoonful of reserved pasta water also keeps the texture silky.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, and orecchiette work best because they grab onto the dressing and little bits of basil beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it carefully to avoid softness.

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad: 3 Amazing Twists

Description

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and easy Italian-inspired pasta salad made with tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a simple balsamic dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, and quick summer dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

1 lb small pasta (fusilli, penne, or orecchiette)
16 oz mozzarella balls, drained and halved
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

For the Dressing

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and lightly rinse with cold water to cool.
While the pasta cooks, halve the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
Thinly slice the fresh basil and set aside.
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Fold in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
Let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Notes

Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture.

Add extra basil, salt, or balsamic vinegar if you prefer bolder flavor.

Reserve a little pasta water before draining to help the dressing coat the pasta smoothly.

For meal prep, store basil separately and add before serving.

Delicious with grilled chicken, shrimp, or garlic bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiled
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 270
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 25mg