Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 2 cups pasta (farfalle or fusilli works great) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn The heart of this salad lies in its fresh ingredients. I love using farfalle or fusilli pasta. They hold dressing well and add a playful texture. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness. Halving them helps release their juices. Fresh mozzarella balls introduce a creamy mouthfeel. They pair perfectly with the bright basil leaves. I always tear the basil to release its aroma and flavor. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat The dressing is simple yet flavorful. Olive oil provides a rich base, while balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick. I mix in garlic powder for depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If you enjoy heat, red pepper flakes give it an exciting edge. This blend ties the salad together beautifully. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of pasta. I like using farfalle or fusilli for this salad. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down and stop the cooking process. Now, grab a small bowl to make the dressing. Measure out 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want some heat, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing gives your salad a bright and tangy flavor. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls. Don’t forget to add 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. This mix brings a burst of color and flavor to your salad. Gently stir everything together to ensure even distribution of all the tasty ingredients. Next, pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything gently. You want to coat the pasta, tomatoes, and cheese evenly. Look for a nice sheen on the pasta as a sign that it’s well-dressed. This makes every bite flavorful. It’s time to let the flavors meld. Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time enhances the taste. You can serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad! To ensure your pasta is just right, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Once your pasta is done, drain it quickly. Rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it from sticking together. Add extra flavor to your salad with more ingredients. Try adding olives or bell peppers for a pop of color and taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Balancing flavors is key. The acidity from balsamic vinegar and the sweetness of tomatoes should work well together. Adjust these to fit your taste. Make your dish stand out with garnish. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice touch. For serving, consider a big bowl for gatherings. It allows everyone to help themselves. Arrange the salad in layers for a beautiful look. The bright colors will catch your guests' eyes. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Cooking: Cook your pasta just until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to soften slightly after being mixed with the dressing. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil you can find for a vibrant flavor in your salad. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the olive oil and balsamic vinegar ratios based on your taste preferences for a more personalized dressing. Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can switch out ingredients to make this dish your own. Instead of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese for a new flavor. These cheeses add a creamy texture and a tangy taste that brightens the dish. Seasonal vegetables can also change the salad. Bell peppers add crunch and color, while olives give a briny note. These swaps let you customize the salad to your liking. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that cook well. For a vegan salad, skip the cheese and use extra vegetables. You can add avocado for creaminess or nuts for crunch. These changes ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty meal. Adding protein can elevate this salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it heartier and more filling. Simply cook the protein and toss it in with the pasta. For a Mediterranean twist, consider capers or artichokes. These ingredients bring a unique taste that pairs well with the other flavors. Experimenting with these options can create a delightful twist on this classic dish. To keep your Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an air-tight container to prevent the flavors from fading. Make sure to seal it well. This keeps the salad tasty for several days. You can freeze the pasta salad for later use. First, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps preserve the flavor and texture. In the refrigerator, the salad lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or it smells off, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your salad while it's fresh for the best taste! Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to discard it. To maintain the best flavor, eat it within the first couple of days. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It's perfect for meal prep! Prepare it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving. It tastes even better after marinating in the fridge for a few hours. Caprese Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a side of garlic knots. For a light meal, add a fresh green salad. These options will complement the flavors of the pasta salad nicely. Absolutely! While farfalle and fusilli are great, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta work well. Just ensure it’s a shape that holds the dressing and other ingredients well. Choose what you enjoy most! Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. It’s easy to make in batches. Just store it in individual portions for grab-and-go meals. Make sure to keep the dressing separate if you prefer a fresher taste. This way, you can enjoy it throughout the week! Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh, tasty dish that’s easy to make. We covered vital ingredients like pasta, fresh veggies, and a simple dressing. The steps ensure you cook pasta perfectly and mix everything well. Remember to chill it before serving for the best flavor. You can try different cheeses or veggies to switch things up. With good storage tips, this dish stays tasty for days. Enjoy making this salad for your next meal or gathering!$

Tomato Basil Caprese Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, dressed in a light olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.

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Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups pasta (farfalle or fusilli)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Keyword caprese, pasta salad, summer, vegetarian