Caprese Pasta Salad

Put a new twist on pasta salad by combining your favorite type of pasta with the ingredients in a classic caprese salad.

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I’ve always been the type of cook who isn’t afraid to be experimental. Few things give me more joy than when two different dishes come together to make a brand-new dish. That’s exactly what I found with this recipe for caprese pasta salad. As the name implies, it’s a simple collaboration between the ingredients you typically find in a caprese salad and a pasta salad.

This dish can be served either hot or cold and perfectly balances a multitude of flavors to create something simple but spectacular. If you need a quick side dish or a crowd-pleaser to bring to a picnic or a potluck, a caprese pasta salad is definitely something to consider. Given the colors, texture, and taste, it’s a dish that is anything but boring!

The grape tomatoes are sweet and juicy, while the mozzarella pearls are soft and creamy. Meanwhile, the pasta brings its own taste and texture to the dish. But my favorite part is the dressing that goes on top. It coats all the ingredients to ensure every bite dazzles and delights your taste buds.

Is Caprese Pasta Salad Healthy?

This caprese pasta salad is filled with fresh ingredients that help make it a nutritious dish. Grape tomatoes, for example, contain antioxidants, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The mozzarella pearls, meanwhile, contain both protein and calcium. Basil also brings nutritional value, especially vitamin K. Of course, pasta is high in carbohydrates, but using a whole wheat pasta can help the nutritional profile by upping the fiber content.

Fresh Ingredients Matter

The biggest key to making a great caprese pasta salad is ensuring that all of the ingredients are fresh. This is particularly true with the basil, which you should try to chop right before adding it to the salad for maximum freshness. Likewise, the grape tomatoes should be as fresh as possible. In fact, if you have other fresh vegetables available, you can consider adding them to the caprese pasta salad to expand the flavor profile. Specifically, I would recommend red onions, zucchini, green olives, and cherry tomatoes, if they are available.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover caprese pasta salad in the fridge either in an airtight container or covered tightly in plastic wrap. In the fridge, it should remain good for up to 3 days.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

Yes. Caprese pasta salad can be made a day in advance if it’s stored in the fridge. In fact, it’s good to give it at least a few hours for the flavors to meld together. If you make it in advance, give it a stir before serving and consider adding more dressing if it seems a little dry.

What Types Of Pasta Are Good For This Salad?

Any pasta that can hold dressing well will be a good fit for caprese pasta salad. This includes fusilli, farfalle, cavatappi, and rotini.

Serving Suggestions

As mentioned, caprese pasta salad is great for picnics and potlucks. It’d be a great side for main dishes like Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan or even something simple like a homemade Italian Sub. Caprese pasta salad also tends to be a good complement for Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast, Chicken Kabobs, and even Turkey Burgers. This pasta salad can go well with just about anything, especially during the summer, so even if you’re making Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs With Salsa Verde And Queso Fresco, caprese pasta salad would be an excellent choice.