Caprese Pasta Salad

Recipe By:
Juliette
Updated:

Make this Caprese Pasta Salad for a delicious vegetarian pasta salad recipe. Everyone will love this easy pasta salad inspired by the classic Caprese Salad, but with a delightful twist by incorporating pasta! It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even as a quick side dish for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This Caprese Pasta Salad can be made in just 14 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cherry tomatoes, ciliegine mozzarella, and fresh basil creates a burst of flavor.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies make this salad both nutritious and satisfying.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large serving dish
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large serving dish: Ideal for mixing all ingredients together seamlessly.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing the dressing without making a mess.
  • Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts while slicing tomatoes and chiffonading basil.
  • Cutting board: Protects your countertop and provides a stable surface for cutting.

Ingredients

Make this Caprese Pasta Salad for a delicious vegetarian pasta salad recipe. Everyone will love this easy pasta salad inspired by Caprese Salad, but instead basil tomato mozzarella pasta!

For the Pasta Base

  • 3 cups whole wheat rotini pasta (cooked)

For the Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup ciliegine mozzarella
  • 6 leaves basil

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (fresh cracked)
  • pinch of salt

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Place the cooked whole wheat rotini pasta in a large serving dish. This forms the base of your Caprese Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Slice up the cherry tomatoes into halves. Add them to the serving dish along with ciliegine mozzarella to enhance both texture and flavor.

Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Basil

Chiffonade the basil leaves by stacking them, rolling tightly, and slicing thinly. Add them to the dish for that fresh herbaceous kick.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, dried basil, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined to create your Caprese salad dressing.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy this refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a family gathering, or just for a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Dish

  • Enjoy this salad as a light and refreshing main course perfect for hot summer days.

Paired with Grilled Proteins

  • Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp to add a protein boost while complementing the fresh flavors.

In a Lunchbox

  • Pack this salad in lunchboxes for an easy and nutritious meal option that’s great for work or school.

With Crusty Bread

  • Offer slices of crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the delicious dressing.

How to Perfect Caprese Pasta Salad

Creating the perfect Caprese Pasta Salad takes just a few simple tips. Follow these guidelines to elevate your dish and impress your guests.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil make all the difference in flavor.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
  • Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Mix Dressing Separately: Combine your olive oil and spices in a separate bowl before adding them to ensure even distribution.

Best Side Dishes for Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Consider these delightful options for a complete meal.

  1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers add more color and nutrients.
  2. Garlic Bread: A classic companion that provides a crunchy texture to balance the soft pasta salad.
  3. Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing offer a rich contrast to the lightness of Caprese Pasta Salad.
  4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses creates an Italian feast that pairs perfectly.
  5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley adds sweetness, making it an ideal side for summer meals.
  6. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty veggies can be filled with grains or proteins, making them filling companions to the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Caprese Pasta Salad is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

  • Using overcooked pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture. Make sure to cook the whole wheat rotini just until al dente for the best results.
  • Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality mozzarella make a significant difference in taste. Always choose fresh ingredients for an authentic flavor.
  • Forgetting to season: A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip seasoning; it brings all ingredients together beautifully.
  • Making it too early: While this salad can be made ahead, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making in advance, consider adding the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • Not mixing well: Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is flavorful. Take your time to combine everything evenly for a delightful experience.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Caprese Pasta Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  • If you must freeze, consider omitting fresh basil and adding it after thawing.

Reheating Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
  • Stovetop: Add a splash of olive oil and heat on low while stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caprese Pasta Salad?

Caprese Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic Caprese Salad, combining pasta with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil for a refreshing dish.

Can I customize my Caprese Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or include proteins such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for added nutrition.

How long does Caprese Pasta Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad stays fresh for about 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses whole wheat rotini pasta. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it brings together vibrant flavors that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for an even more personal touch!

Print
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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese Salad, combining fresh ingredients with the satisfying texture of pasta. This vegetarian dish features tender whole wheat rotini pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy ciliegine mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a light olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or as a quick side for dinner, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare in just 14 minutes. Enjoy the burst of flavors and vibrant colors while keeping it healthy and nutritious!

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked whole wheat rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup ciliegine mozzarella
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Place cooked whole wheat rotini in a large serving dish.
  2. Add tomatoes and mozzarella: Halve cherry tomatoes and mix them with ciliegine mozzarella in the serving dish.
  3. Incorporate fresh basil: Chiffonade basil leaves and add to the mixture.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried basil, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt.
  5. Combine ingredients: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chill before serving to enhance taste. Customize by adding grilled chicken or additional veggies like bell peppers.

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