Ingredients needed
Pasta. I used fusilli but any short pasta shape will work. Macaroni, orecchiette, penne, etc. Tomatoes. Use any in-season, ripe tomatoes. I like using a smaller variety because they are so sweet. Remember to store tomatoes at room temperature. Tomatoes stored in the fridge can easily go floury/mealy. Mozzarella. I used bocconcini. Fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella is also fine, just chop into bite-sized pieces. Fresh basil. Olive oil. Fresh lemon juice. Red wine vinegar. Salt and pepper.
How to make Caprese pasta salad
Caprese salad dressing
I prefer using a super simple lemon vinaigrette but you could add Balsamic vinegar, herbs and garlic if you prefer.
Can I make pasta salad ahead?
Yes, absolutely. The undressed salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. I would add the basil with the dressing 20 minutes before serving to make sure it doesn’t wilt too much. Leftover pasta salad can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What to serve with pasta salad
Pasta salad is a great side dish for a variety of main dishes, but we love it most with grilled or barbecued meat. Easy grilled chicken thighs, Grilled sirloin steak with caper herb sauce and Easy BBQ chicken breasts will all be delicious with this Caprese pasta salad recipe.
Pasta salad recipes
