Colorful Caprese Pasta Salad (Printable)
A vibrant pasta salad with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil and a tangy balsamic-olive oil dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle
→ Vegetables & Dairy
02 - 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved (use assorted red, yellow, and orange varieties if available)
03 - 4.5 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
04 - 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small cucumber, seeded and diced
06 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced yellow bell pepper, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl and toss gently to ensure every component is evenly coated.
05 - Cover and chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately at room temperature if preferred.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get the creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil of classic Caprese but with extra crunch and heartiness from vibrant veggies and pasta.
- It’s a fast, beautiful dish you can whip up while chatting, and the leftovers taste even better for lunch the next day.
02 -
- If you add the dressing when the pasta is still warm, it soaks up too much and turns mushy—always let it cool.
- A quick chill in the fridge makes the flavors pop, but don’t leave it for hours or the basil loses its fragrance.
03 -
- Never skip rinsing the pasta if serving this salad cold—the texture is everything.
- The secret to sparkling color is lots of different colored tomatoes and tearing, not chopping, the basil.