Fresh 15-Minute Caprese Pasta Salad
A quick and easy pasta salad combining fresh basil, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and a garlic-infused olive oil dressing, perfect for summer meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle
- 1 ½ cups (225g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150g) mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
- ½ cup (about 15g) fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta well in a colander, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar, and the minced garlic. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Using a spoon or tongs, toss everything gently to coat the pasta and veggies evenly with the dressing without breaking the mozzarella.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and cool it for the salad. Toss gently to keep mozzarella pearls intact. Add mozzarella and basil just before serving if storing leftovers to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad, mozzarella salad, basil pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad