The perfect Caprese pasta salad for a potluck or summer bbq! Caprese pasta salad made with juicy tomatoes, marinated fresh mozzarella cheese, fragrant fresh basil, and a mouthwatering homemade Italian herb vinaigrette! A versatile popular side dish!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time12 minutesmins
Marinating time30 minutesmins
Total Time22 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 566kcal
Author: Karina
Ingredients
Dressing/Marinade
2/3cupolive oil
4-5Tbspred wine vinegar
2Tbspcapers, drained and roughly chopped
3clovesgarlic, minced
1/3cupchopped fresh basil
1/4cupchopped fresh chives
1/4cupchopped fresh parsley
1/4tspkosher salt
1/4tspblack pepper
Pasta Salad
2cupscherry tomatoes, halved
8ozbocconcini fresh mozzarella balls(or fresh mozzarella cut into 1/2" cubes)
12ozdried orecchiette pasta(or other shortcut pasta)
3Tbsppine nuts, lightly toasted(optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add dressing ingredients and whisk until well combined. Reserve 2 Tbsp of dressing and place in an airtight container and set aside.
Add cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to mixing bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Let sit and marinate approximately 30 minutes.
While the cheese and tomatoes are marinating, boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. Let cool slightly.
Add pasta to mixing bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to serving container, cover and refrigerate 1-2 days. Before serving, toss pasta salad with reserved dressing and serve.
Notes
Pasta salad can also be served warm, right away after making it.