By This Caprese Pasta Salad balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Caprese Pasta Salad captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Caprese Pasta Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
Vinaigrette Dressing
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Caprese Pasta Salad
½ pound dried pasta of choice(Ditaloni Rigate)
8 ounces mozzarella pearls, or cubed fresh mozzarella
2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper
Whisk or shake until all the ingredients are well incorporated
Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil
Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette dressing and toss everything together
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
