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To make a delicious Caprese Pasta Salad, you need these key ingredients: - 12 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 clove garlic, minced - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) These ingredients bring together the fresh flavors of Italy in a simple dish. You can enhance your Caprese Pasta Salad with a few optional ingredients: - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ½ cup arugula for a peppery kick These additions can create a unique twist on the classic recipe. If you can’t find an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Use penne or rotini instead of fusilli for the pasta. - Substitute burrata cheese for mozzarella for a creamier texture. - Try grape tomatoes if you can’t find cherry tomatoes. - Replace fresh basil with fresh spinach or parsley for a different taste. These substitutions keep the dish fresh and exciting. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed cooking steps! First, I start with 12 ounces of fusilli pasta. I cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it stays firm. Once done, I drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This cools the pasta and stops the cooking process. Next, I grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, I add the cooled pasta. Then, I mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup of torn basil leaves. I gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta and the other ingredients are well combined. Now, I prepare the dressing in a small bowl. I whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. I also add salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat. Once everything is mixed well, I pour the dressing over the pasta salad. I gently toss it again to coat all the ingredients evenly. For the best taste, I let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend perfectly. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To cook pasta just right, start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps the pasta taste great. Bring the water to a full boil before adding the fusilli. Stir the pasta often to keep it from sticking. Cook it until al dente, or firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. Perfect pasta is key to a tasty Caprese pasta salad. To boost the flavors in your salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes make a big difference. I love adding minced garlic for depth. The olive oil adds richness, while balsamic glaze gives a sweet tang. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend. Taste it before serving, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Make your salad look beautiful with a few simple steps. Use a large, shallow bowl to show off the colors. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top adds shine and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra mozzarella for a fun look. This makes your Caprese pasta salad not just tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. Want the full recipe? Check out the Full Recipe section! {{image_2}} You can easily make a gluten-free version. Just swap the fusilli pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many options are available, like rice or quinoa pasta. This change keeps the salad tasty and light. You still get that same great flavor! For a vegetarian twist, ensure your mozzarella is made from non-animal rennet. If you want a vegan salad, you can skip the cheese or use vegan mozzarella. You can also add avocado for creaminess. This adds healthy fats and keeps the salad fresh. If you want a filling salad, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also add chickpeas for a plant-based option. Just toss them in with the other ingredients. This makes your Caprese Pasta Salad more satisfying without losing its fresh taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftover Caprese pasta salad, place it in an airtight container. Ensure you cover it tightly to keep it fresh. This method helps maintain the salad's flavors and texture. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, keep the dressing separate. This will help the pasta and veggies stay crisp. Reheating Caprese pasta salad is not always needed. If you prefer it cold, just take it out of the fridge and enjoy. If you want it warm, heat it gently in a pan. Use low heat and stir often to avoid mushy pasta and wilted basil. A few minutes should be enough to warm it up without losing its fresh taste. Caprese pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture. If you see these signs, toss the salad. To keep it safe, do not leave it out for more than two hours. These tips help ensure you enjoy your tasty salad without worries. I love using fusilli pasta for Caprese Pasta Salad. Its spiral shape holds the dressing well. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer. Just make sure the pasta is al dente. This keeps it firm and gives a great bite. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! I often prepare it a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. This lets all the flavors mix nicely. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the pasta fresh. Caprese Pasta Salad is great on its own, but you can pair it with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. It also works well with crusty bread. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil and balsamic glaze for a pretty touch. To keep your salad crisp, rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. Also, wait to add the dressing until right before serving. Storing it in an airtight container helps too. Caprese Pasta Salad is not only tasty but also good for you. It has fresh tomatoes, which are high in vitamins. Mozzarella adds protein and calcium. The olive oil provides healthy fats. Plus, basil is packed with antioxidants. This salad can be a balanced side or a light meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered the key ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad, along with cooking tips. You learned about essential and optional ingredients for great taste. I shared steps to prepare the salad and ways to enhance its flavor. You also found variations for different diets and tips for storage. In the end, Caprese Pasta Salad is easy, versatile, and delicious. Use the tips here to impress everyone at your next meal. Enjoy making it your own!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the delight of a fresh Caprese Pasta Salad that’s bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. Click to explore the full recipe and transform your culinary routine today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

1 clove garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine everything evenly. Ensure that the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

          Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

            Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

              Serve cold or at room temperature.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for an attractive finish.