This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad by the Pioneer Woman is a quick and easy meal bursting with fresh flavors. With creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil tossed in a tangy white balsamic dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up with common pantry ingredients, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb. casarecce, penne, or any short pasta
- 2/3 cup + 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 16 oz. small mozzarella balls or pearls
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes, optional (for garnish)
How To Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the tomatoes and mozzarella: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to the dressing. Toss until coated and let marinate for about 15 minutes while the pasta cools.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat. Stir in the chopped basil.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra basil on top and garnish with red pepper flakes if you like. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Cook the pasta perfectly: Follow the package instructions carefully and avoid overcooking. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad.
- Cool the pasta properly: Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and good-quality mozzarella make a big difference in flavor.
- Let the dressing marinate: Allow the tomatoes and mozzarella to sit in the dressing for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning before serving: Taste the salad before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed for the perfect flavor.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigate: Store leftovers caprese pasta salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Mix it well before serving.
- Reheating: leftovers caprese pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, microwave it for 20-30 seconds or leave it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving (1 cup)
- Calories: 359 kcal
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
- Sodium: 274 mg
- Potassium: 211 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 3 g
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
This delicious Caprese Pasta Salad by the Pioneer Woman is a quick and easy meal bursting with fresh flavors. With creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil tossed in a tangy white balsamic dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up with common pantry ingredients, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the tomatoes and mozzarella: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to the dressing. Toss until coated and let marinate for about 15 minutes while the pasta cools.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat. Stir in the chopped basil.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra basil on top and garnish with red pepper flakes if you like. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Cook the pasta perfectly: Follow the package instructions carefully and avoid overcooking. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad.
- Cool the pasta properly: Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and good-quality mozzarella make a big difference in flavor.
- Let the dressing marinate: Allow the tomatoes and mozzarella to sit in the dressing for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning before serving: Taste the salad before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed for the perfect flavor.
Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe