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Italian pasta salad recipe.
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Easy Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful summer dish made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta. Perfect for picnics or meal prep!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: italian recipe, pasta salad
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fusilli or another short pasta like penne or farfalle
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces diced fresh mozzarella or mozzarella pearls
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
  • For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled fusilli pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil leaves.
  4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Notes

  1. Salt your pasta water generously: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, and it helps bring out all the flavors in the final dish.
  2. Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in a cold salad and won't get mushy when tossed with the dressing.
  3. Let the pasta cool completely: Warm pasta can melt the mozzarella and wilt the basil-cool it fully before combining with other ingredients.
  4. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil: Since the dressing is so simple, a good olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  5. Tear the basil by hand: This prevents bruising and helps maintain its beautiful color and aroma.
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