Inspired by classic caprese, this Caprese Pasta Salad merges luscious mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, bowtie pasta, and aromatic basil leaves into a delightful summer salad. Its simplicity and elegance make it an irresistible Italian salad option.
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.
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Why You’ll Love This Salad
You’ll adore this simple-to-prepare, versatile Caprese Pasta Salad, perfect from picnics to dinner parties, and its fresh, wholesome ingredients cater to foodies.
Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Each of the following ingredients brings a unique touch, marrying into a summer symphony of flavors. Fresh is best for that bright, authentic Italian salad taste, but feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking!
- Olive Oil: In this delightful Caprese Pasta Salad, olive oil serves as the silky foundation, elevating its flavors. Its heart benefits, coupled with the rich taste of the extra virgin variety, perfectly complement the freshness of tomato basil pasta salad.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar brings a sweet and tangy contrast, enhancing the salad’s flavors. For a richer taste, try a reduction or glaze.
- Honey: Honey brilliantly offsets the balsamic vinegar’s tang, infusing the Caprese Pasta Salad with a delicate sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an unmatched depth and aroma, elevating the dressing to make every bite of this Caprese Pasta Salad unforgettable.
- Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: I’ve always loved the way farfalle pasta, with its cute bowtie shape, not only adds a beautiful visual appeal to any dish but also perfectly traps that delightful blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey dressing in each nook and cranny. Cooking it al dente ensures that every bite of this Caprese Pasta Salad is just the right mix of tender and chewy, making the salad both a visual and textural feast.
- Grape Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and juiciness, perfectly halved for easy bites and even distribution throughout the salad.
- Mozzarella Pearls: Mozzarella pearls make assembling this Caprese pasta salad a breeze, readily available in most grocery aisles.
- Chopped Fresh Basil: Fresh Basil gives this Caprese Pasta Salad its herby freshness, tear gently to preserve its aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: Season your Caprese Pasta Salad with salt & freshly ground pepper to brilliantly enhance all those lush flavors.
- Optional Balsamic Glaze: For an extra zing and presentation flair, top your Caprese Pasta Salad with optional Balsamic Glaze; find it at stores or DIY.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
[Step 1] Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions.
[Step 2] In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
[Step 3] Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil to a serving bowl. Pour the olive oil mixture over the salad and stir the ingredients until coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
[Step 4] Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve the Caprese pasta salad drizzled with balsamic glaze if desired.
How Long Caprese Pasta Will Last
Caprese Pasta Salad lasts 3-5 days in the fridge; watch for soggy basil or tomatoes as spoilage signs.
How to Store Leftovers
To keep Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store in airtight containers, and separate extra dressing if you can.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook Farfalle Pasta in advance to save time on busy days.
- Adjust Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar ratios for your dressing preference.
- Add or substitute ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
More Salad Recipes
Caprese Pasta Salad
Inspired by the classic caprese, this Caprese Pasta Salad merges luscious mozzarella cheese, juicy tomato basil pasta, and aromatic basil leaves into a delightful summer salad. Its simplicity and elegance make it an irresistible Italian salad option.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
- 8 Ounces Farfalle Pasta (about 3 Cups)
- 1 Pint Grape Tomatoes
- 10-12 Ounces Mozzarella Pearls
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package directions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic.
- Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil to a serving bowl. Pour the olive oil mixture over the salad and stir the ingredients until coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve the Caprese pasta salad drizzled with balsamic glaze if desired.
