Best Caprese Pasta Salad

Creating the best Caprese Pasta Salad is about balancing fresh ingredients with a flavorful dressing that ties everything together. Here’s an exclusive and detailed recipe for you:

Best Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our exclusive guide on making the Best Caprese Pasta Salad. This vibrant and refreshing dish combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—with pasta, making it a perfect summer meal or side dish. Simple yet delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Pasta: 12 ounces (preferably a short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
• Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
• Fresh mozzarella: 8 ounces, diced or in small balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• Fresh basil leaves: 1 cup, roughly chopped
• Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
• Black olives: 1/2 cup, sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
• Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
• Honey: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Parmesan cheese: Grated, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves: Whole, for garnish

Preparation

Cooking the Pasta:

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
2. Prepare the pasta: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients:

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Prepare the mozzarella: Dice the fresh mozzarella or use small mozzarella balls.
3. Chop the basil: Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
4. Slice the onion: Thinly slice the red onion if using.
5. Slice the olives: Slice the black olives if using.

Making the Dressing:

1. Combine dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Combine ingredients: Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, chopped basil, red onion, and black olives to the bowl with the pasta.
2. Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving:

1. Chill (optional): For best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Before serving, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whole basil leaves if desired.
3. Serve: Serve the Caprese Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Fresh ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients available, especially the basil and tomatoes, to enhance the flavor.
• Pasta choice: Use a pasta shape that holds the dressing well, such as fusilli, penne, or bowtie.
• Balance flavors: Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar and honey in the dressing to balance the acidity and sweetness to your taste.
• Make ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good toss before serving.

Conclusion

Enjoy your Best Caprese Pasta Salad—a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal. With its simple ingredients and delicious taste, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Visit our site for more exclusive recipes and culinary inspirations to elevate your cooking adventures.