This Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a joyful mix of pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a yummy creamy dressing. It’s like summer in a bowl!
Whenever I make this salad, it’s gone in a flash! Perfect for picnics or just a quick lunch. I love to add a sprinkle of extra basil on top—more is always better, right? 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I suggest using rotini for its spiral shape that holds the dressing well. If you don’t have it, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle works great too.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These are perfect for their sweetness and bite-sized convenience. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned diced tomatoes, just drain them first.
Fresh Mozzarella: You can use mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cut regular mozzarella into cubes. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella. If dairy-free, try plant-based mozzarella alternatives.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a wonderful aroma. If fresh is not an option, dried basil can be used, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. About a tablespoon of dried will suffice.
Italian Dressing: A creamy Italian dressing adds a rich flavor. A homemade version with yogurt can work too. For a zesty twist, try ranch dressing instead!
How Can I Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the pasta just right is key to a good salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Always salt your boiling water. This adds flavor to the pasta.
- Check the pasta packaging for cooking times; al dente means it should be firm to the bite.
- Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Letting it cool helps it absorb the dressing better later on. Enjoy making your salad!
Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces rotini (corkscrew) pasta
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy Italian dressing or creamy balsamic dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Just let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors blend beautifully. Overall, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This will stop it from cooking further and cool it down for the salad.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced fresh mozzarella. This colorful mixture is what makes the salad so delightful!
3. Add Fresh Basil:
Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh basil leaves over the pasta mixture. This adds a burst of flavor and aroma to your salad, making it truly Caprese!
4. Dress Your Salad:
Pour your choice of creamy Italian or creamy balsamic dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together. Make sure every piece gets coated with the dressing for maximum flavor!
5. Season to Taste:
Now, season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Give it another light toss to mix in the seasoning.
6. Chill and Finish:
If you’d like a little extra sweetness, drizzle balsamic vinegar or glaze on top. Then cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad even tastier!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give your salad a gentle toss one more time. If you like, garnish with extra fresh basil strips. Enjoy this cool, creamy Caprese Pasta Salad at your next summer gathering, picnic, or as a satisfying lunch!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta you prefer. Just be sure to check the cooking instructions as gluten-free pasta often has different cooking times. Rinse and cool it the same way for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, you may want to add a bit more dressing when serving leftovers, as the pasta can absorb it over time.
Can I Add Other Veggies to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions for added crunch and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the other ingredients.
Is It Necessary to Chill the Salad?
Chilling the salad is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if you’re short on time, you can serve it right away! Just keep in mind that chilling enhances the overall taste and texture.
