Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad
A quick and easy 5-ingredient pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, perfect for a wholesome summer meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (cherry, grape, or heirloom)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: splash of balsamic vinegar
- Optional: shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes but keep it slightly warm.
- While the pasta cooks, roughly chop 2 cups of ripe tomatoes and tear 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Tear or roughly chop 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the salad feels dry.
- Gently toss everything to combine. Optionally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or shaved Parmesan for extra flavor. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente and drain immediately to stop cooking. Toss pasta while still warm to absorb olive oil and basil aroma. Tear mozzarella by hand for better texture. Add basil last and toss gently to avoid bruising. Season gradually and use reserved pasta water to loosen dressing if needed. Let salad rest 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 2 days; bring to room temperature and toss before serving. Avoid freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Caprese, pasta salad, fresh mozzarella, basil, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, healthy meal