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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Basil Summer Delight

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A quick and easy fresh caprese pasta salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for summer gatherings and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini, drained
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves, torn gently
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts
  • Optional add-ins: Freshly cracked red pepper flakes
  • Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Drain in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, halve 2 cups (300 g) of cherry tomatoes and drain 8 ounces (225 g) of fresh mozzarella pearls. Tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces by hand. Mince 1 clove of garlic if using.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the warm pasta with the olive oil (3 tablespoons) and minced garlic to coat evenly. Add the halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves. Gently fold everything together to distribute ingredients without breaking up the cheese.
  4. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the salad if desired. Toss lightly again to blend flavors. If using, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts here.
  5. Serve immediately to let the mozzarella soften in the warm pasta, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. If chilled, bring back to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tear basil leaves by hand to preserve oils and aroma. Toss mozzarella with warm pasta to soften it slightly without melting. Season gradually and add basil last to prevent wilting. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. Rinse pasta briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool for salad texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: caprese pasta salad, fresh basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, summer salad, easy pasta salad, homemade, quick recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-basil-summer-delight/