Caprese Pasta Salad with Mozzarella and Basil
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Caprese Pasta Salad with Mozzarella and Basil is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness! Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together with tender pasta and a light, zesty dressing for a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add minced garlic if desired.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.