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- 8 oz (225g) fusilli or rotini pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Caprese pasta salad shines because of its fresh, simple ingredients. You want to choose the right pasta shape. I love using fusilli or rotini. These shapes hold the dressing well. They catch the bits of cheese and tomatoes, making each bite tasty. Cherry tomatoes are a must. I like to halve them so they burst with flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls add creaminess. They pair perfectly with the juicy tomatoes. Torn fresh basil leaves bring a bright, herbal note. They add that classic Caprese taste. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano The dressing is simple yet full of flavor. Start with high-quality olive oil. It adds richness and depth. Balsamic glaze gives a sweet and tangy kick. Minced garlic adds a nice punch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you want, you can add dried oregano for extra herbiness. - Additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers) - Protein options (e.g., grilled chicken or shrimp) - Nuts or seeds (e.g., pine nuts, walnuts) Feel free to customize your salad. Adding bell peppers gives a nice crunch and color. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can make it a meal. If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some pine nuts or walnuts. They add texture and a nutty flavor. For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Pasta Salad section above. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm, but not hard. Check the package for exact cooking times. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step keeps the pasta from getting mushy. In a big mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Make sure you use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Don’t forget the basil; its aroma enhances the salad. For a perfect dressing, use a ratio of three parts olive oil to two parts balsamic glaze. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, add a teaspoon of dried oregano. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This helps to emulsify the dressing, making it smooth. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break the mozzarella balls. Aim for an even coating of dressing on all the ingredients. Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors mix well. For serving, give it one last gentle toss. Present it in a large bowl, and add some extra basil on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it look beautiful. Enjoy your Caprese pasta salad! For the full recipe, check below. To get the best taste from your Caprese Pasta Salad, focus on freshness. Store cherry tomatoes at room temperature. This keeps their sweet flavor intact. For mozzarella, keep it in its liquid until you are ready to use it. This helps maintain its creaminess. Always use fresh basil. The vibrant flavor adds a nice touch to the salad. High-quality olive oil makes a big difference. Look for extra virgin olive oil; it adds richness and depth. You can also play with different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experimenting can lead to exciting new flavors. Pair this salad with grilled meats like chicken or steak. The fresh flavors work great together. For gatherings, serve it in a large bowl. You can also put it in individual cups for easy serving. This adds a fun twist and keeps things tidy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps to make your meal even better! {{image_2}} You can use many types of pasta for Caprese Pasta Salad. Fusilli and rotini are great choices. They hold the dressing well. If you need gluten-free options, try brown rice or chickpea pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Other grains, like quinoa, work nicely too. You can make your salad even better by adding veggies. Seasonal vegetables boost freshness. Try bell peppers, cucumbers, or even zucchini. Roasted vegetables also add a nice touch. Roasting brings out their sweet flavor. Just toss them in olive oil and seasoning before roasting. Changing the cheese can change the dish. Feta or goat cheese adds a tangy taste. You can also try different dressings. A lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. Marinades can give a unique twist too. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh. The Caprese pasta salad stays good in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, warm the salad gently in the microwave. Use a low setting to keep the texture nice. After reheating, serve right away to enjoy the flavors. You can freeze Caprese pasta salad, but it may change texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep the flavors fresh. Caprese pasta salad is a fresh dish. It combines pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The flavors burst in your mouth. You get sweetness from the cherry tomatoes, creaminess from the mozzarella, and a hint of peppery taste from basil. The olive oil and balsamic glaze add richness and tang. This dish is colorful, tasty, and perfect for warm days. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a while. Prepare the salad and dressing separately. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the pasta firm and the cheese fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to give it a good toss before serving. You can easily make this salad vegan. Use plant-based mozzarella instead of dairy. For the dressing, swap olive oil with a vegan-friendly alternative. You can also use lemon juice for a fresh twist. These simple changes keep the flavors bright and delicious without using animal products. Avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. If you rinse it too long, it can lose flavor. Also, don’t skip the fresh basil. Dried basil won’t give the same fresh taste. Lastly, be careful with the salt. Too much can overpower the other flavors. Enjoy your Caprese pasta salad without these pitfalls! In this blog post, I shared how to make a delicious Caprese Pasta Salad. We covered the main ingredients like fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. I also explained the dressing components and optional add-ins for more flavor. Following the step-by-step instructions ensures your salad turns out great every time. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can store leftovers properly and even freeze them. Enjoy getting creative with your Caprese Pasta Salad, and don’t hesitate to try new flavors!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing delight of Caprese Pasta Salad! This simple and vibrant dish combines fusilli pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all tossed in a light balsamic dressing. Perfect as a side or a main dish, it’s quick to make in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your mealtime with a burst of flavor and color. Don't miss out on this healthy and tasty option!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) fusilli or rotini pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if using).

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the tomato and mozzarella mixture in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.

          Chill: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

            Serve: Give the salad another gentle toss before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl garnished with some extra basil leaves on top, and drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.