Fresh Caprese Salad Pasta (Printable Version)

A fresh Italian pasta dish with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil tossed in olive oil. Light, vibrant, and ready in under 25 minutes.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Salad

03 - 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
05 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, optional
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
09 - Salt to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water to cool, and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves.
03 - Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine.
04 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired, or chill for 20 to 30 minutes for a cold pasta salad.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than most takeout orders, and you probably have half the ingredients already.
  • The mozzarella melts just slightly against the warm pasta, creating these little pockets of creaminess that make every bite different.
  • You can serve it warm right off the stove or cold from the fridge the next day, and honestly, both versions have their own charm.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the pasta under cold water because if it's too hot, the mozzarella will turn into a melted puddle instead of staying in soft, distinct pearls.
  • Add the olive oil while the pasta is still slightly damp from rinsing because it helps the oil spread more evenly and prevents everything from clumping together.
03 -
  • Save a little pasta water before you drain it, and if the salad looks dry after tossing, add a tablespoon or two to loosen everything up without making it oily.
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave a few ribbons of Parmesan over the top right before serving, it adds a salty, nutty finish that makes the whole dish feel more complete.
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