Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette is like summer in a bowl. If you’re looking for a delicious pasta salad, then look no further! This is the perfect easy to make salad that is almost no cook, comes together in minutes, and is great for getting out and enjoying the warm summer weather. Grab your favorite pasta, whisk up a delicious balsamic vinaigrette, toss with the pasta, some tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and finish with freshly chopped basil. So flavorful and colorful! This could not be easier to make! It will definitely be everybody’s new favorite pasta salad, trust me.
About the recipe
Okay. We all know that there is salad but then there’s pasta salad. To be totally honest with you guys, I’m not really sure why it had the word “salad” in the name, but I guess since it’s a technically a salad, then it must be healthy, and that works for me!
But really, I have always loved a caprese salad. It’s pretty much the only “salad” I could truly get behind as a kid. Though, I do have to admit, I would pretty much only eat the basil and cheese, but seriously.. basil and fresh mozzarella? What could be better?
Well, this is actually better.
Adding the pasta makes this not just another quick appetizer, but a filling and delicious meal that’s not too heavy and won’t leave you starving later on.
Oh, and this pasta salad is the perfect thing for warm weather picnics. It’s just as delicious hot, warm, cold, whatever! It’s surely going to impress and be a family favorite. Keep it all separated and let everyone mix their own, or toss together and share easily. Whatever works for you.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, dinner, or even just a quick meal to take out for a day, this is the perfect pasta salad for everyone!
Ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients. This is one of the easiest recipes to make and, with only six ingredients, it takes no time at all to pull together!
- Your favorite pasta, we prefer penne.
- Tomatoes
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions
Well, the first step is definitely going to get a pot of water boiling. While you’re waiting, go ahead and grab out all the ingredients and wash the tomatoes and basil. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box. And, while that’s cooking, slice the tomatoes, cheese, and basil.
Mix together the balsamic and olive oil in a small bowl, or in a measuring cup.
Toss the pasta, tomatoes, cheese, and basil together in a large bowl.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve!
Substitutions
- If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can easily substitute with tomato sauce or even chopped sundried tomatoes! If you choose either of these options, there will definitely be flavor differentiations but it will still be delicious!
- You can also use fresh mozzarella pearls.
- To make this vegan, substitute the mozzarella with your favorite vegan mozzarella.
- You can use your favorite pasta! From penne, to farfalle, to even macaroni. You can also use vegan or gluten free pasta.
Expert Tips
- This salad stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.
- When mixing the balsamic and olive oil, place the whisk in-between both palms and twist rather than stirring. This is the best way to combine them.
When you make this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinagrete
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne, or desired pasta shape
- 1 cup grape, or cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 8-9 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to instructions on package. Drain.
- While pasta is cooking, cut up tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Set aside.
- Combine olive oil and vinegar and whisk until emulsified. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Toss gently.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Notes + Tips!
- If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can easily substitute with tomato sauce or even chopped sundried tomatoes! If you choose either of these options, there will definitely be flavor differentiations but it will still be delicious!
- You can also use fresh mozzarella pearls.
- To make this vegan, substitute the mozzarella with your favorite vegan mozzarella.
- You can use your favorite pasta! From penne, to farfalle, to even macaroni. You can also use vegan or gluten free pasta.
- This salad stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.
- When mixing the balsamic and olive oil, place the whisk in-between both palms and twist rather than stirring. This is the best way to combine them.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.