Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad brings the classic Italian flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to a refreshing summer salad. This colorful, easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch, with a zesty red wine vinaigrette tying everything together in perfect harmony.

Ready Time

25 mins

Yields

6 servings

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta of your choice (bow tie or penne work well)
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup red wine vinegar

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl, tossing to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar and chopped basil leaves.

Add the diced tomatoes and sliced mozzarella cheese to the pasta bowl, tossing gently to combine.

Pour the basil vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, tossing to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Use any short cut pasta shape you like, but bow tie or penne work particularly well in this recipe. Feel free to use more or less garlic depending on your personal taste.

Fresh mozzarella is key in this recipe, so try not to skip it.

Make sure to chop the basil leaves just before using, as they can lose their flavor and aroma quickly. If you want to make this salad ahead, prep everything except the pasta, then cook and combine just before serving.

The reserved pasta water is a lifesaver if the salad seems too dry, so don’t skip this step! This salad is perfect for a light summer lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

You can easily double or triple the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd.