Homemade Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
This Homemade creamy Caprese pasta salad is a fresh and flavorful dish made with tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil tossed in a simple white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and quick summer meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls), drained and halved
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and generously season it with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse lightly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
3. While the pasta cooks, drain the mozzarella balls and cut them in half. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
4. In a large mixing bowl combine the halved mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes.
5. Add the cooled pasta and sliced fresh basil to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
6. In a small bowl or jar combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until well blended.
7. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then let the salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Letting the salad rest for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste.
This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Use fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine for the best texture and flavor.
If the pasta salad dries slightly after refrigeration, drizzle a little extra olive oil and toss before serving.