Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Mozzarella Pearls
A bright and fresh Caprese pasta salad featuring creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh tomatoes, and basil, tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain thoroughly for about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add optional lemon juice or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes and roughly tear 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Drain 8 oz mozzarella pearls well to avoid excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Add extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar if desired before plating.
Notes
Drain mozzarella pearls well to avoid excess moisture and sogginess. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and keep pasta firm. Let salad rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor. Use gentle tossing to avoid breaking mozzarella pearls. Optional additions include crushed red pepper flakes or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 19
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Italian salad