CAPRESE PASTA SALAD BLISS

I can almost smell the sunscreen and feel the warm summer breeze just thinking about this recipe! My Aunt Maria used to bring a massive bowl of something similar to every family picnic, and it was always the first thing to disappear. Everyone would hover around it, spearing the juicy tomatoes and mozzarella with their forks. That’s where I first fell in love with the perfect combination of flavors. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Caprese Pasta Salad- Quick Summer Meal you’ll ever make!

Caprese Pasta Salad: Your New Summer Staple

Okay, friends, let’s talk Caprese Pasta Salad. This isn’t just any pasta salad; it’s a celebration of summer flavors, packed with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s the ultimate Tortellini Pasta Salad‘s cousin, but a little more focused on the garden-fresh bounty.

This recipe is truly a lifesaver for those crazy weeknights or last-minute potlucks. Seriously, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some roasted vegetables. Trust me, this will become your go-to Crispy Smashed Potato Salad alternative when you’re craving something light and refreshing.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this salad comes together in a flash.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is always a hit.
• Makes a Statement: Looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! The key to a truly amazing Caprese Pasta Salad is using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients possible. I’m not kidding, the flavor really pops when you spring for the good stuff!

• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite short pasta shape. I personally love rotini, penne, or farfalle (bowties). They hold the sauce and ingredients beautifully.
• Fresh Mozzarella: 1 pound of fresh mozzarella balls, also known as “bocconcini” or “ciliegine,” depending on the size. You can use the larger balls and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Tomatoes: 1 pint of cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered. Heirloom tomatoes, if you can find them, add an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Basil: 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped. Don’t skimp on the basil – it’s essential for that classic Caprese flavor!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Balsamic Glaze: 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze. You can buy it pre-made or easily make your own (recipe below!).
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Add-ins: Grilled chicken, prosciutto, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion (thinly sliced).

Making Your Balsamic Glaze (Optional, But Highly Recommended!)

While you can definitely use store-bought balsamic glaze, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sweetness and thickness. Plus, it tastes SO much better! It’s a great complement to the lemon vinaigrette found in Feta & Cranberry Rigatoni Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.

Homemade Balsamic Glaze Recipe

• 1 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (if using).
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn it! It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. Cool: Remove from heat and let cool completely. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.
5. Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Step-by-Step Instructions: As Easy as 1-2-3!

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’m going to walk you through each step, so don’t worry – you’ve got this!

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This is crucial! Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Chop the fresh basil. Mince the garlic. If you’re using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
4. Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Start with a little and add more to taste. Be careful not to add too much, as it can be quite sweet.
5. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, I recommend chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool down. However, it’s also delicious at room temperature!

Tips for the Perfect Caprese Pasta Salad

Okay, bestie, here are a few extra tips and tricks to ensure your Caprese Pasta Salad is absolutely perfect:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I can’t stress this enough! Al dente pasta is key to a great texture.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The olive oil is a major flavor component, so choose a good one.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze to suit your preferences.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins! Grilled vegetables, prosciutto, or artichoke hearts are all great options. This would also be lovely with the chicken from a Chicken Macaroni Salad!
• Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time, which is great for entertaining. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I actually think it tastes even better the next day! The tomatoes and cheese will release some of their juices as it sits, creating an even more flavorful dressing.
• Keep it Fresh: For optimal freshness, consume the salad within 2-3 days.

Variations and Additions to Make it Your Own

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients!

• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for added nutrients and flavor.
• Cheese Please: Try using different types of mozzarella, such as smoked mozzarella or burrata.
• Herb Heaven: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or parsley.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version. If you want to lean more into a steak salad, you could mimic some elements of a Grilled Steak & Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Glaze.
• Pesto Power: Replace the olive oil with pesto for a vibrant and flavorful twist.
• California Dreamin’: Add avocado and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a take on California Spaghetti Salad

Serving Suggestions

This Caprese Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete and balanced meal.
• As a Main Course: Add some grilled protein and serve it as a light and refreshing main course.
• As an Appetizer: Serve it in small bowls or on skewers for a party appetizer.
• For Lunch: Pack it in your lunchbox for a healthy and delicious midday meal.
• At a Potluck: Bring it to your next potluck or BBQ – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy Your Taste of Summer!

There you have it, my friend! A simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing Easy Caprese Pasta Salad- Quick Summer Meal that you can whip up in no time. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this salad as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the process! You’re going to absolutely love this, and everyone you share it with will too!

Caprese Pasta Salad Bliss

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a celebration of summer flavors, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any summer gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound short pasta rotini, penne, or farfalle
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini or ciliegine
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar for balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional, for balsamic glaze

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• Large bowl
• Small saucepan (for balsamic glaze)
• Whisk (for balsamic glaze)
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board
• Airtight container (for storage)

Method

 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, chop the basil, and mince the garlic. If using large mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, and olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss until well combined.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Can be served at room temperature as well.
7. To make balsamic glaze (optional): Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (if using) in a small saucepan.
8. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The glaze will thicken further as it cools.
10. Store balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, especially olive oil and balsamic glaze. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal. To prevent sticking, toss the pasta with a little olive oil after draining.