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For a fresh and tasty Caprese Pasta Salad, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz. farfalle (bowtie) pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (optional) Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. Farfalle pasta gives a fun shape. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Mini mozzarella balls bring creaminess. Fresh basil adds a bright note. Olive oil and balsamic glaze provide a rich dressing. Garlic powder boosts flavor. Pine nuts, if you choose, add a nice crunch. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes the salad even better. Always taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Enjoy the vibrant colors as you prepare this dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This cools the pasta down quickly and stops the cooking process. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing adds great flavor to the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. If you want some crunch, add the toasted pine nuts. This adds a nice texture to your salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together. Aim to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. This helps each bite taste amazing. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve it in a large bowl or individual plates. For a beautiful touch, garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors! To make great Caprese Pasta Salad, you need perfectly cooked pasta. Use a large pot with salty water. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the farfalle pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. I usually aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be firm to the bite. This keeps it from getting mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the pasta quickly. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta fresh and cool. The dressing can make or break your salad. I start with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. They bring a rich flavor to the dish. Whisk these together in a bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can adjust the flavors based on your preference. Want more tang? Add a bit more balsamic glaze. For a creamier texture, try mixing in some plain yogurt or sour cream. Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano or thyme for a twist. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta may soak up some of the dressing, but that’s okay! Just add a splash of olive oil or balsamic glaze when you serve it again. It’s always best to enjoy it fresh. So, try to make just enough for your meal. If you do have extras, they still taste great the next day! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil for the best flavor in your salad. Chill the Salad: For an even more refreshing dish, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Perfect Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well in the salad. {{image_2}} You can easily add proteins to your Caprese pasta salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp work well. Cook the chicken until golden and tender. For shrimp, sauté them until they turn pink. Chop these proteins into bite-sized pieces. Mix them into the salad for extra flavor and nutrients. While farfalle pasta is great, you can try other shapes too. Penne, fusilli, or rotini can add fun textures. Each type holds the dressing differently. Choose a pasta that you enjoy the most. Cook it as directed, then let it cool before mixing. If you want a vegan option, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese. Look for plant-based mozzarella that melts well. You can also use avocado for creaminess. This keeps the salad rich and satisfying. Don't forget to check the balsamic glaze for added sugars. Each serving of Caprese Pasta Salad has about 350 calories. This number can change based on the amount of dressing you use. The pasta and cheese add most of the calories. - Carbohydrates: 40 grams - Protein: 12 grams - Fat: 18 grams This salad has a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fat. The farfalle pasta gives you energy, while the mozzarella and olive oil add protein and fat. - Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamins A and C. They also contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals. - Basil: Great for digestion and full of anti-inflammatory properties. It adds fresh flavor too. - Olive Oil: Packed with heart-healthy fats. It can help lower bad cholesterol levels. - Mozzarella: A good source of calcium, which is good for your bones. Using these fresh ingredients makes this salad not just tasty but also healthy. Enjoy the flavors and benefits! If you can't find mozzarella, use burrata or feta cheese. Both have a creamy texture. You can also try vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option. These cheeses give a nice taste to the salad. You can store Caprese Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. If you notice the pasta soaking up the dressing, add more right before serving. Yes, you can make this salad a few hours before serving. Just follow the recipe and chill it in the fridge. To keep it fresh, add the dressing right before eating. This helps keep the pasta and veggies crisp. No, Caprese Pasta Salad is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten. This blog post covered a tasty Caprese pasta salad. We explored the ingredients, like farfalle pasta and fresh basil. I shared simple steps to prepare and dress your salad. You learned tips for perfect pasta and storage. We also discussed various ways to customize the dish. In closing, this salad is easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Enjoy creating your version and sharing it with friends!

Caprese Pasta Salad Delight

A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, dressed in a light balsamic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quickly.
  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. If using, add the toasted pine nuts for an extra crunch.
  • Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
  • Serve: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for presentation.
Keyword caprese, pasta salad, vegetarian