Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz (about 225g) fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat When I make Caprese Pasta Salad, I love using fresh ingredients. The fusilli pasta gives a nice twist. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. Basil brings a lovely aroma. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. You can find many good brands that taste great. For a vegan twist, try using vegan mozzarella. It melts well and keeps the dish tasty. Each serving has around 350 calories. You get about 15g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbs. This salad is light but filling, perfect for lunch or dinner. I enjoy mixing my pasta with seasonal veggies too. It adds color and nutrition. You can experiment with what you have on hand! To make the best Caprese Pasta Salad, start with the pasta. Use fusilli. It holds sauce well. Boil a big pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down. Next, it’s time to mix everything. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, add halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Make sure they are fresh. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top. This adds flavor and shine. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Mix gently. Use a folding motion. This helps keep the pasta and veggies intact. Now, let’s add the final touches. Toss everything together well. Make sure all ingredients are coated with the dressing. This brings all the flavors together. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. When ready, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the fresh taste! You can easily swap ingredients for new flavors. Try using rotini or penne pasta instead of fusilli. For a twist, add arugula or spinach for extra greens. Use heirloom tomatoes for richer taste. If you want a kick, try adding olives or capers. For dressing, you can mix balsamic glaze with lemon juice for brightness. A hint of pesto can add depth. You could even try a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess. Caprese pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also complements fresh bread or garlic knots. This dish shines at summer picnics and barbecues. It's great for potlucks or family gatherings, too. To prepare in advance, cook the pasta and store it separately. Mix other ingredients and keep them in the fridge. Combine them just before serving for best taste. For storage, use an airtight container. The salad stays fresh for up to three days. Check for freshness by smelling and visually inspecting it before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your Caprese Pasta Salad for new tastes. One choice is burrata. Burrata is creamier than mozzarella. It adds a rich texture to the salad. If you want a bolder flavor, try feta or goat cheese. Feta gives a tangy taste, while goat cheese adds a bit of earthiness. Both options work well with the fresh ingredients. Want to make your salad heartier? You can add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp are great options. Both are tasty and fill you up. If you're looking for plant-based choices, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak in the flavors and add a nice bite. Simply toss them in with your pasta for a complete meal. Seasonal vegetables can make your salad shine. In summer, add fresh zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, roasted butternut squash brings warmth. You can also adjust flavors for the holidays. For Easter, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like dill. In winter, try adding some nuts for crunch. These changes keep your Caprese Pasta Salad exciting all year round! To keep your Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help maintain its taste and texture. If you have a glass container, that works great too. Caprese Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. You’ll know it’s time to toss it if you see mold or smell something off. The tomatoes may lose their firmness, and the cheese can get slimy. If you prefer your salad warm, gently heat it on the stove. Add a splash of olive oil to bring back moisture. Serve it cold for a refreshing bite, especially on hot days. Enjoy it at room temperature too! Caprese Pasta Salad combines pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This dish comes from Italy and reflects its vibrant flavors. It showcases fresh ingredients, making it a favorite in summer. The bright colors symbolize the Italian flag, adding a cultural touch. Yes, you can prepare Caprese Pasta Salad a day before. Store it in the fridge after making it. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just remember to toss it gently before serving. If it seems dry, add a little olive oil. Caprese Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled meats or seafood. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a light soup. For a vegetarian option, try it with roasted vegetables. This salad works great for picnics or backyard gatherings too. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also try adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Caprese Pasta Salad is healthy and packed with nutrients. The tomatoes offer vitamins, while mozzarella provides protein and calcium. Fresh basil has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Using whole-grain pasta adds fiber, making it a balanced meal choice. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad. We reviewed the fresh ingredients, cooking steps, and fun variations. You learned how to customize the dish to suit your taste. I shared tips on storage and serving ideas, too. Caprese Pasta Salad is easy to make and great for many occasions. With fresh flavors and simple steps, it’s a dish that anyone can enjoy. Try it out and make it your own!$

Discover the deliciousness of Caprese Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of fresh ingredients that creates a vibrant and tasty dish. This easy recipe combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's ideal for picnics or meals at home.

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Ingredients

8 oz (about 225g) fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the pasta mixture.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing and flavors are well combined.

Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl, drizzling a bit more balsamic glaze on top and garnishing with additional basil leaves for a fresh look.