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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Pasta

    Pasta Caprese Salad Recipe

    Published by Melissa on May 31, 2019 | Updated June 10, 2022 | 19 Comments

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    Making this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe takes your taste buds to a whole other country! The perfect combination of pasta, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil that has been topped with an olive oil dressing will soon become a favorite in your home.

    Pasta Caprese on a white plate

    Also included in this post is a Recipe Round Up. I’ve joined a fun group of bloggers to put together a roundup of recipes on the first day of every month. This month we’re sharing Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipes.

    Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

    During my trip to Italy, I fell in love with the simple yet flavorful caprese dishes. The ripe plum tomatoes bring just enough acidity to balance out the rich creamy buffalo mozzarella and bright basil flavor. Some variations, like this caprese salad, have an olive oil and lemon dressing while others feature a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Both are equally delicious and will quickly become favorites in your menu plan.

    This recipe was inspired by one I viewed on a cooking show. It looked and sounded so delicious, I knew I would have to recreate it for my family. I wasn’t disappointed, and as quickly as the meal disappeared, I know my family wasn’t either. This is one pasta dish that will be made by me on a regular basis.

    How to make the best Pasta Caprese

    Fresh and quality ingredients are a must for making this amazing pasta dish. Buying freshly made Buffalo Mozzarella is, of course, the best option. However, any good quality mozzarella will work well in this recipe.

    Ingredients to make Pasta Caprese Salad, including pasta, tomatoes and mozzarella cheese

    Vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil make the flavors pop in this pasta. If you are able to find fresh made pasta, it, of course, would be preferred. Any high-quality penne pasta does work, as long as cooked to a perfect al dente texture.

    Note: In the recipe below, you will see that I mention freezing the mozzarella. This is to ensure it doesn’t get too chewy when added to the hot pasta.

    collage of step by step photos of Making Pasta Caprese Salad

    How to Serve this Pasta Caprese Salad

    This recipe is meant to be served warm. It can easily be made into a complete meal with a larger portion. You could also add in grilled chicken breast, or even grilled shrimp for more protein if preferred.

    I find that this is a great option to make at the last minute on a busy weeknight. While the pasta is cooking, I can simply chop the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to mix into the pasta right before serving. It truly is a fast and easy meal.

    Close up of Pasta Caprese

    More Caprese Recipes

    Ever since I discovered the delicious caprese flavors, I have tried to incorporate them into many other meals. From the Caprese Ravioli to the Chicken Caprese Burger, this is a flavor profile that never disappoints.

    Pasta Caprese on a white plate
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    5 from 1 vote

    Pasta Caprese

    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Main Dishes
    Keyword: cooking, food, Italian, Pasta, recipe
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 465kcal
    Author: Barbara Schieving
    Prevent your screen from going to sleep

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 3 teaspoon fresh lemon juice see note above
    • 1 small garlic clove -- minced about ½ teaspoon
    • 1 small shallot -- minced fine about 2 tablespoons
    • Table salt and ground black pepper
    • 1 ½ lbs ripe tomatoes -- cored seeded, and cut into
    • ½- inch dice
    • 12 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese -- cut into ½-inch cubes see note
    • 1 lbs penne pasta or other short tubular or curly pasta such as fusilli or campanelle
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil I didn't have fresh and used dried
    • 1 teaspoon sugar see note

    Instructions

    • Whisk oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, garlic, shallot, ½ teaspoon salt,and ¼ teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Add tomatoes and gentlytoss to combine; set aside. Do not marinate tomatoes for longer than 45 minutes.
    • While tomatoes are marinating, place mozzarella on plate and freeze until slightly firm, about 10 minutes.
    • Bring 4 quarts water to rolling boil in stockpot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta, stir to separate, and cook until al dente. Drain well.
    • Add pasta and mozzarellato tomato mixture and gently toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice or sugar, if desired, and serve immediately.

    Notes

    Note: This dish will be very warm, not hot. The success of this recipe depends on high-quality ingredients, including ripe, in-season tomatoes and a fruity olive oil. Don't skip the step of freezing the mozzarella, as freezing prevents it from turning chewy when it comes in contact with the hot pasta. If handmade buffalo- or cows-milk mozzarella is available (its commonly found in gourmet and cheese shops packed in water), I recommend using it, but skip the step of freezing and add it to the tomatoes while marinating. Additional lemon juice or up to 1 teaspoon sugar can be added at the end to taste, depending on the ripeness of the tomatoes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 461mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

    collage of Easy Summer Pasta Salads

    More Easy Summer Salad Recipes You’ll Like:

    Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad 
    Chipotle Chicken Pasta Salad
    Tuna Pasta Salad
    Caprese Pasta Salad 
    BLT Pasta Salad
    Pasta Caprese Salad 
    Orzo Pasta Salad with Summer Vegetables 
    Broccoli Pasta Salad
    Chicken Taco Pasta Salad

    If you love caprese a much as my family, then I know you too will enjoy this simple caprese on a stick appetizer recipe or a classic Caprese Salad,

    Caprese on a Stick

    Pin It:

    collage of Pasta Caprese Salad Ingredients and Finished Dish

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    about us

    About Melissa & Barbara

    As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. 2pots2cook

      June 14, 2019 at 4:01 am

      Absolutely our kind of dish for hot summer days ! Thank you so much !

      Reply
    2. Carol

      June 03, 2019 at 7:56 am

      What a great summer salad-and the perfect home for garden fresh tomatoes and basil.

      Reply
    3. Bec

      June 01, 2019 at 4:32 am

      This is the type of pasta salad that is PERFECT for summer dinners. It’s a must-make, Barb – officially on my summer menu rotation!!

      Reply
    4. Dana McCauley

      October 29, 2008 at 2:39 pm

      Nothing like the classics to make meal time easy and delicious!

      Reply
    5. Veronica

      October 28, 2008 at 7:10 pm

      That looks delicious…that’s my favorite Italian dish-I’ll have to give your recipe a try.

      Reply
    6. Barbara Bakes

      October 28, 2008 at 2:31 am

      Thanks for the great comments. I should have mentioned that my husband and I went to Italy for our 30th wedding anniversary! I definitely am a lucky girl!

      Reply
    7. Jacque

      October 27, 2008 at 11:03 pm

      Oooh, lucky you getting to go to Italy! I love caprese too, although I didn’t know what it was called.

      Your pasta sounds wonderful.

      Reply
    8. Jenny

      October 27, 2008 at 9:50 pm

      Beautiful, simple and delicious! Love it!

      Reply
    9. *Priscilla*

      October 27, 2008 at 7:45 pm

      this pasta looks really good…italy really sounds like a fun place!

      Reply
    10. Lisa magicsprinkles

      October 27, 2008 at 7:39 pm

      So simple and so fresh! This is like a summer day in a dish.

      Reply
    11. The Blonde Duck

      October 27, 2008 at 7:24 pm

      It looks good to me!

      Reply
    12. Pam

      October 27, 2008 at 3:42 pm

      Simple ingredients make the best meals. This pasta dish looks amazing.

      Reply
    13. Maria

      October 27, 2008 at 3:35 pm

      I went to Italy a couple of years ago and fell in love. I need to get back there again. The pasta looks perfect!

      Reply
    14. HoneyB

      October 27, 2008 at 1:16 pm

      Sounds and looks delicious Barbara!

      Reply
    15. Tami

      October 27, 2008 at 2:54 am

      My mouth is watering looking at this picture. This looks so good! I will definitely file this one until we can get some good, ripe tomatoes. YUM!

      Reply
    16. Lisa

      October 27, 2008 at 12:52 am

      I love this pasta salad and make it for many summer barbecues.

      Reply
    17. Aggie

      October 27, 2008 at 12:42 am

      Oh how I loooove caprese! I would love this pasta too! Doesn’t get any better than tomatoes, mozz and basil! Looks delish!

      Reply
    18. Lorraine E

      October 27, 2008 at 12:10 am

      This looks wonderful and yet so simply. I’ve heard the best Italian food is simple but using the best ingredients!

      Reply
    19. Mindy

      October 26, 2008 at 11:21 pm

      This looks wonderful. I will have to give it a try.
      How great the you got to go to Italy!

      Reply

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