Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Make this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with simple, fresh ingredients. A quick and healthy side dish for potlucks, picnics, or summer dinners.

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Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe not only for its fresh ingredients and vibrant summer flavor, but also for how versatile it is! Perfect for backyard BBQs, summer dinners, potlucks, or even a quick lunch, this Caprese Pasta Salad will quickly become your go-to dish all season long.

Ingredients

The main ingredients you’ll need to make Caprese Pasta Salad are:

Cavatappi Pasta– I used the brand Banza but any brand works.

Mozzarella Pearls– These are so delicious!

Fresh Basil– Be sure it is fresh and not dried.

Grape Tomatoes– Try to find a plump pint!

Balsamic Glaze– This provides a delicious flavor!

In addition, you’ll need olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper, and garlic powder.

How to Make Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Pasta salad usually involves a lot of cutting and chopping. Instead, this salad has minimal chopping!

Start by cooking your pasta according to box directions and set aside.

In a small dish combine your olive oil and lemon juice. This is going to be the vinaigrette. Set this aside.

Next up, clean your basil and tomatoes. Then, slice your tomatoes down the center, lengthwise and chiffonade the basil. This is to roll up the basil and slice into thin ribbons. Here is a simple video showing the process! Set these aside.

Now, in a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, vinaigrette, mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes. Then, right before serving add a drizzle of balsamic glaze!

Expert Tips and Tricks

While testing this recipe I have discovered a few tips and tricks. Use these to improve your dish the first time you make it!

• Drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep its flavor fresh and prevent it from soaking into the pasta.
• Cooking the pasta al dente will make the pasta a big more firm, preventing too much vinaigrette and glaze from being absorbed.
• Be sure to allow the pasta to cool prior to combining all ingredients. If it is too warm it may melt the cheese!

After making this recipe a few times you’ll be an expert, too! If you discover any tips and tricks be sure to leave them in the comments down below so I can give them a try too!

Additions and Substitutions

No recipe is perfectly curated for everyone! Try some of these ideas to make this recipe more you. Keep in mind, these changes take this pasta salad away from it being caprese, but still may be delicious!

• Add black or green olives.
• Instead of mozzarella consider feta or burrata.
• Exchange the cavatappi for your favorite shape.
• Consider adding a nut or seed for some crunch! Pine nuts or walnuts!?

If you change something up tell me how it turns out in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

If your question hasn’t been answered so far, you may find it here! If not, leave it in the comments down below and I will get you an answer!

Does this Caprese Pasta Salad have balsamic glaze?

Yes! Top this pasta salad with balsamic glaze prior to serving!

Is there meat with this Caprese Pasta salad?

No! There is no meat in this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad. But, you could add salami, shrimp, or event rotisserie chicken!

Is Caprese Pasta Salad with Salami healthy?

Pasta salad can be a delicious way to get more produce in your diet. Adding salami may be an additional dietary fat source, but it also provides protein!

A Word From a Registered Dietitian

This Caprese Pasta Salad isn’t just delicious, it’s balanced too. The pasta provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates, mozzarella adds protein and calcium, and tomatoes bring antioxidants like lycopene. Fresh basil ties it all together with flavor and phytonutrients.

Pairing these simple, whole ingredients makes this dish both nourishing and satisfying, whether you enjoy it as a side or a light meal.

Craving More?

If you give this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad recipe a taste, be sure to leave a 5-Star rating and comment down below! This really supports me and entices others to also give the recipe a go!

You can also share a photo of your creation by tagging me on Instagram! I’d love to see how it turned out!

If you love these you may also want to try my:

• Pasta Salad with Tortellini
• Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
• Big Mac Bowl

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

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