Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe salad of caprese pasta is full of sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls and fresh basil. Summer does not taste much better than that!

That you are preparing summer lunches or bring a plate to a picnic, cookout or dinner, this easy salad of caprese pasta is a pleasant side of the crowd.

Think like a riff on the classic caprese salad, celebrating all the flavors of mature summer tomatoes, basil and creamy mozzarella, but with a little pasta Added to fill in it. He just needs a little olive oil, a pinch of vinegar and a touch of salt and pepper to put it together.

With only 8 ingredients, this recipe for pasta salad is easy to prepare, with the bonus of the pasta absorbed the flavor of tomato juices. Just wait to add the basil to the last moment to prevent it from wandering.

What’s in the Caprese pasta salad?

The authentic caprese salad is a harmonious combination of only four ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil. Like the same caprese salad, the success of this version of pasta salad is based on the quality of the ingredients.

• Orecchiette pasta: A small or medium pasta will correspond to the size of the tomato and the balls of mozzarella. If you can’t find orecchiette, try lilies, butterflies, radiators or root. Our complete guide to the forms of Italian pasta has all the details.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are super sweet and broken into flavor. I like to use multicolored tomatoes for a variety of colors and flavors. You can also cut the larger tomatoes into small pieces, if you wish.
• Fresh mozzarella: The mini balls of mozzarella, such as morsels or cherries, will better combine the size of the tomatoes. You could also tear or cut a ball of 8 -ounce mozzarella in small pieces.
• Basil: Fresh basil, an essential ingredient in Caprese, is fragrant with a sweet and pepharate flavor.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Since the dressing for this pasta salad is so simple, a high quality extra virgin olive oil is a must. With an aroma reminiscent of fresh tomatoes, this Nocellara Italiana It would be a perfect choice.
• Balsamic vinegar: Only a spoonful of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet complexity that brings out the best in tomatoes without confusing their flavor. You could also jump and season single portions with balsamic enamel.
• Sea salt and black pepper: The salt salt the pasta while cooking and extracts some of the tomato juices to cover the salad. A good grind of black pepper adds thin heat.

How to prepare the Caprese pasta salad

This Caprese pasta salad is easy like cooking the pasta and throwing it with tomatoes and mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of basil. I like to wash and cut the tomatoes after emptying the pasta, giving pasta the opportunity to cool slightly. Here are the steps:

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of boiling water over high heat. Get the boiling water generously, then add the 1/2 pound paste pasta (8 ounces, 227 g) and cook until al dente, following the instructions of the package. Drain in a colander, but do not rinse. Add the pasta to a large bowl and set aside to cool briefly while preparing the tomatoes.
• Launch the pasta salad: In the bowl with the dough, add 4 cups of halved multicolored cherries or grape tomatoes; 1 cup (8 ounces, 227 g) mini mozzarella balls, drained by their brine; 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar; About 3/4 of teaspoon of salt; And the black pepper just ground to taste. Lancia to cover and taste for the seasoning.
• Serve: Serve immediately or let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to cool and for the tomatoes release some of their juices. Mix in 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped or torn basil, just before serving.

Make it your

The beauty of the Caprese exhausted is in its simplicity. But this is also what makes it an excellent basis for all types of variations and iterations. You can adapt this recipe for Caprese pasta salad in infinite ways. Here are some of my favorites:

• Add a protein: Dice a little grilled chicken or this succulent balsamic chicken, throw a can of chickpeas or tuna or serve with slices of grilled steak.
• Other vegetables: Try to add avocado to creamy cubes, fresh cucumbers, dried tomatoes, roasted broccoli, red onion, grilled corn or roasted red peppers.
• Add a sauce: Sprinkle the salad with a little balsamic glaze, add a spoonful of homemade basil or tomato pesto with the sun or replace the olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a balsamic vinaigrette.

What to serve with Caprese pasta salad

This recipe for Caprese pasta salad is an easy meal for summer lunches. If you are taking it in advance, book the basil and sprinkle it for the individual portions when you are ready to eat.

It is also the perfect appetizer for your next party in grids with steak, salmon or prawns and grilled corn on the cob. Do not forget to prepare a lot of summer and refreshing lemonade. Do you need a dessert that doesn’t seem too heavy? This Sicilian lemon pudding is harsh, light and easy to do the day before the party.

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