This Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, transforming fresh ingredients into a hearty pasta dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side for your favorite grilled meats, this recipe brings together vibrant flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this salad stands out with its rich combination of crispy prosciutto, succulent mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 30 minutes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of balsamic vinegar, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it as a side dish at barbecues and family gatherings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for lunches throughout the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and delicious ingredients, it’s sure to impress guests at any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Caprese Pasta Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Foil
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks properly.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for crisping prosciutto in the oven without making a mess.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Important for finely chopping ingredients like prosciutto and basil.
Ingredients
This caprese pasta salad takes your favorite summer dish and turns it into a comforting pasta side! So good, you’ll be asking for seconds!
For the Pasta Salad
- 5 strips of thinly sliced prosciutto (I used prosciutto di parma)
- 8 oz farfalle (bow tie pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (halved; I love marinated mozzarella balls for this)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
For the Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (grated)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the prosciutto in a single layer on a foiled baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.
Step 2: Prepare Prosciutto
Transfer the crispy prosciutto to a cutting board and let it cool. Using a sharp knife, dice it into your desired size; I recommend mixing finely chopped pieces with larger chunks for texture.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the prosciutto is baking, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the farfalle pasta along with a drop of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water once cooked.
Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, grated garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vinaigrette. Add diced prosciutto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil. Toss everything together until well-coated. Serve immediately or chill before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve it as a main course or as a side, there are many creative options to consider.
As a Main Dish
- Serve with grilled chicken for added protein and flavor.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
At a Picnic
- Pack individual portions in mason jars for easy transport.
- Add a layer of fresh greens at the bottom for extra crunch.
As a Side Dish
- Complement barbecued meats for a colorful summer meal.
- Serve alongside a light soup to balance out flavors.
For Meal Prep
- Divide into containers for easy weekday lunches.
- Drizzle with additional dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Perfect Caprese Pasta Salad
Creating the perfect caprese pasta salad involves a few key steps. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente; it will hold up better in the salad.
- Make ahead: Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes after mixing to let flavors meld together.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding oregano or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese pasta salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider when planning your meal.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the flavors of caprese perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits balances out the savory elements of the pasta salad.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil ties in beautifully with caprese flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw offers crunch and freshness, making it an excellent pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Caprese Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is crucial for flavor. Always choose fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant basil to enhance your dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy. Follow package instructions carefully, aiming for al dente texture.
- Skipping the vinaigrette preparation: A well-mixed dressing is essential. Don’t rush it; combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until blended before adding to the salad.
- Not letting the prosciutto cool: Adding hot prosciutto can wilt the other ingredients. Allow it to cool on a cutting board before mixing it into the salad.
- Forgetting about seasoning: Seasoning enhances flavors. Taste your Caprese Pasta Salad after mixing and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain texture.
Freezing Caprese Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of fresh ingredients.
- If you must freeze, do so without tomatoes and basil; add these when ready to serve.
Reheating Caprese Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes. Cover with foil to keep moisture.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Pasta Salad?
Caprese Pasta Salad combines traditional Caprese flavors—tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—with pasta for a delightful meal option.
Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it a day in advance. Just keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
What variations can I try with Caprese Pasta Salad?
You can add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for added protein and flavor. Swap farfalle with your favorite pasta shape too!
How can I customize my Caprese Pasta Salad?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs. You can use burrata instead of mozzarella or add arugula for a peppery twist.
Final Thoughts
Caprese Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Try customizing it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as-is; you’ll love its fresh flavors!
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Caprese Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of the classic Caprese salad and hearty pasta. This vibrant dish combines crispy prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and ripe cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to create an explosion of taste in every bite. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side to grilled meats, this recipe is not just easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve warm or cold. With its colorful presentation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 5 strips prosciutto
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (halved)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (grated)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange prosciutto on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Cool the prosciutto and chop into desired sizes.
- Boil water in a large pot and cook farfalle according to package instructions; drain and rinse.
- In a bowl, combine vinaigrette ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, grated garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pasta with vinaigrette and add diced prosciutto, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil; toss gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Let the salad sit for 30 minutes post-mixing to enhance flavor melding. For added protein or flavor variations, consider grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.