Don’t be surprised when your family asks you to make this Caprese Pasta Salad again and again. Loaded with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, it’s a summertime hit all year long.
I can’t help myself! Yes, I’m bringing you yet another pasta salad recipe. These scorching days of summer in Florida keep me out of the kitchen. Do you want to know my little secret? I use a big pot and make a double batch of pasta. That way, I use half right away for one pasta salad and save the other half in the fridge to make later in the week. One of my favorites is this Caprese Pasta Salad.
What’s the Secret to Storing Cooked Pasta?
I rinse it under cool water, spread it out on a baking sheet to air dry, and then toss it with a little extra virgin olive oil before storing it in a resealable bag or airtight container. The cooked pasta stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, just enough time for me to finish one pasta salad and be ready to make another. Sneaky, right? Oh, and by the way, you can also put the pasta in resealable freezer bags and freeze it for future use by following the same steps.
Do You Know the Cherry Tomato Trick?
I have been making this caprese pasta salad recipe for years, yet I never knew the secret to slicing cherry tomatoes. If you’re like me, you slice them one at a time, pushing them aside on your cutting board.
I learned an easier way from watching cooking competitions on television. You put a bunch of tomatoes under a lid, put your hand on top, and run a long knife between the lid and the cutting board. Lift the lid, and voilà, the tomatoes are all sliced in half! I know – mind-blown, right?
Choose High-Quality Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for Pasta Salads
Not all bottles of oil and vinegar are created equal. Some are better for cooking, while others are more suited to salad dressings and drizzling over vegetables. Since you only use a little oil and vinegar in salad recipes, turning to high-quality products can improve the taste of this caprese pasta salad. Opt for a light and fruity extra virgin olive oil for your salads. I have also used champagne balsamic vinegar in this dressing, which is so good.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Making pasta salad in advance is easy, especially since you want to let the flavors meld for a while. I like to make most pasta salads the day before I need them. They always taste better that way. For this salad, you might want to leave adding the basil till just before serving, that way it won’t wilt before you’re ready to eat it. Once assembled, your caprese pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to serve this caprese pasta salad recipe as a side dish alongside another tasty delight, pair it with Italian Ciabatta Sandwiches. They provide the perfect flavor combination for your spring or summer picnics.
If you want all the flavor of this salad without the pasta, try this Traditional Caprese Salad for a delicious change of pace. Summertime is also an excellent time for light and fruity desserts; these Peach Scones fit the bill. Bursting with juicy fresh peaches, they are perfect whenever you want a special treat.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz dried short pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad!
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