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Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

June 7, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

Salad Recipes

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Caprese Pasta Salad with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.
Caprese Pasta Salad collage photo

Caprese Pasta Salad made with mini farfalle, tomatoes, basil and fresh Mozzarella cheese in a light Italian vinaigrette.

Bow tie pasta with tomato, mozzarella and basil.

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My favorite flavor combination is anything Caprese style and this pasta salad is no exception. It's such an easy, light and flavorful recipe. 

Vinaigrette based pasta salads are great for outdoor gatherings because they hold up better in the heat; though they still need to be kept cool on ice. 

What does Caprese Mean?

Caprese means the recipe contains tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, and basil. These foods also bear the colors of the Italian flag; red, white and green. 

I've made so many caprese style recipes, but some of my favorites include  Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups, Caprese Stacks with Pan Seared Prosciutto and a classic Caprese Salad. 

This Caprese Pasta Salad makes 6 cups or twelve ½ cup servings. You can serve this salad as-is or add some grilled chicken or shrimp to eat as a meal on a warm Summer day. It's perfect for lunch or dinner!

Caprese Pasta Salad in a white bowl.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Serving Bowl

Caprese Pasta Salad in a bowl on a napkin.

Ingredients

For this recipe you'll need the following ingredients: 

Pasta: I used mini farfalle because it's a fun, small shape, but you can use macaroni, regular farfalle, gemelli or even tortellini. 

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are best in this recipe and you can either use Heirloom or Roma

Mozzarella Cheese: Diced fresh or buffalo mozzarella works nicely in this recipe, but you could also use bocconcini or ciliegine; which are Mozzarella balls. 

Basil: You'll need to use fresh basil in this recipe to get that fragrant flavor. The good thing is that many local grocery stores now carry small containers of fresh basil right in the produce aisle. 

Italian Vinaigrette: I used Good Seasons Italian Seasoning combined with white vinegar and Canola oil, but you could use any Italian dressing you prefer; like store bought or even homemade Honey Balsamic Dressing. 

Caprese Pasta Salad on a spoon.

How do you make Caprese Pasta Salad? 

Start by filling a medium saucepan with water, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander; then rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool to the touch. Drain well; then add the pasta to a mixing bowl. 

Add the tomatoes, cheese, basil, seasoning mix, white vinegar and oil to the bowl; then mix until well blended. Place the salad in a serving bowl or airtight container; then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Toss before serving and garnish with extra chopped fresh basil, if desired.

VISIT THE RECIPE INDEX TO SEARCH FOR MORE RECIPES BY CATEGORY.

Caprese Pasta Salad collage photo

More Pasta Salad Recipes

  • Tricolor Supreme Pasta Salad
  • Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  • Garden Macaroni Salad
  • Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
  • Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives, Capers and Sun Dried Tomatoes

 

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Caprese Pasta Salad on a spoon.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Carrie's Experimental Kitchen
Caprese Pasta Salad made with mini farfalle, tomatoes, basil and fresh Mozzarella cheese in a light Italian vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Resting Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Salads
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 cups

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • mixing spoon
  • serving bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mini farfalle pasta (or other small pasta)
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup diced plum tomatoes
  • 6 ounces diced fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 1- (.7-ounce) package good seasons italian dressing mix
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by filling a medium saucepan with water, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta in a colander; then rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool to the touch. Drain well; then add the pasta to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the tomatoes, cheese, basil, seasoning mix, white vinegar and oil to the bowl; then mix until well blended.
  • Place the salad in a serving bowl or airtight container; then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Toss before serving and garnish with extra chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Notes

Please read the entire post for additional instructions and/or substitutions. 
Keyword caprese, pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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