Whether he’s stirring something new and delicious into his skillet cornbread, adding a healthy twist to a favorite comfort food recipe, or trying out a new exotic spice, Senior Food Editor Josh Miller loves dreaming up delicious, cookable recipes for PioneerWoman.com. When he hangs up his apron for the day, you can him in his pottery studio, creating fun and functional items for the kitchen and home.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are classic flavors!
Caprese pasta salad is a love letter to glorious summer tomatoes. When perfectly ripe, they're subtly sweet and taste the way summer sunshine feels after a long winter. Of all the delicious tomato recipes out there, this recipe is one of the easiest—just cook some pasta, then toss it with a bounty of tiny fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and plenty of basil. It's like Ree Drummond's favorite Caprese salad, but tailor made for all your summer cookouts. The best part? There's no mayo in the dressing so it can sit out a little longer than other pasta salads. It even tastes delicious at room temperature!
Why is it called Caprese pasta salad?
This dish is said to have come from the island of Capri, a breathtakingly mountainous island surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of southern Italy. Take it from someone who only found out from visiting: it's pronounced Cap-ri, not Ca-pree like the pants. The salad itself (pronounced "ca-pray-say") typically stars just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, but this recipe transforms it into a side dish with the help of some pasta and a delicious vinaigrette.
What's the dressing made out of?
Authentic Caprese salads are drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper, and that's it! Other versions get a punch of flavor from balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. This recipe keeps it simple, as well, to let the rest of the ingredients shine. There's just olive oil, some white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, and salt and pepper.
What pasta can you use in Caprese pasta salad?
Any small or short pasta works great for this dish. Casarecce, a short, twisty noodle is called for in this recipe, but penne, rotini, large elbow macaroni, or even bowtie pasta also work well as pasta shapes.
What mozzarella is best in Caprese pasta salad?
Fresh is best when it comes to this recipe. Look for small mozzarella balls—usually labelled 'ciliegine'—that you can cut in half, or mozzarella pearls, that require no cutting at all. You can also cut a ball of fresh mozzarella into 1/2-inch pieces, if you like.
What do you pair with Caprese pasta salad?
Anything you'd serve at a summer cookout! Barbecue, burgers, grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, you name it! It also makes a quick lunch because you can keep it in the fridge and eat on it all week... if it lasts that long!
- Yields:
- 6 - 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
casarecce, penne, or any short pasta
- 2/3 c.
plus 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1/3 c.
white balsamic vinegar
- 2
garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 4 c.
cherry tomatoes, halved
- 16 oz.
small mozzarella balls or pearls
- 1 c.
chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 8)
- Calories582 Fat33 gSaturated fat10 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol45 mgSodium547 mgCarbohydrates46 gFiber3 gSugar6 gProtein21 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium317 mgIron2 mgPotassium402 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, and rinse with cold water. Return pasta to pot and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- Step 2Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 2/3 cup oil, vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add tomatoes and mozzarella to dressing and toss to coat. Let marinate while the pasta cools, about 15 minutes.
- Step 3Add cooled pasta to tomato mixture and toss to coat. Stir in the basil. Garnish with more basil and red pepper flakes, if you like.
Tip: If making this pasta salad a day ahead, let it come to room temperature, and toss with an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil just before serving.
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