Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is a fresh and easy recipe, which is made with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. It’s the perfect summer side dish, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb. casarecce, penne, or any short pasta
- 2/3 cup plus 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 16 oz. small mozzarella balls or pearls
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until cool. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the remaining 2/3 cup of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a large serving bowl.
- Marinate the tomatoes and mozzarella: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to the dressing and toss to coat. Let the mixture marinate for about 15 minutes while the pasta cools.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooled pasta to the tomato and mozzarella mixture and toss to coat. Gently stir in the chopped fresh basil. Garnish with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired, before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep pasta salad from getting dry? Tossing the cooked and cooled pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil helps to keep it from absorbing too much of the dressing right away, ensuring the salad stays moist.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this salad is great for making a few hours ahead. For the best flavor and texture, you can store the dressing/marinated tomatoes and the cooked pasta separately, then combine them with the fresh basil just before serving.
- What’s the best pasta for this salad? A short pasta with some texture or curves is best for holding onto the dressing. Casarecce, penne, rotini, or fusilli are all excellent choices.
- Why rinse the pasta with cold water? Rinsing the pasta for a cold salad is crucial. It stops the cooking process to prevent it from getting mushy, and it cools the pasta down so it doesn’t melt the mozzarella or wilt the fresh basil.
What To Serve With Caprese Pasta Salad
This bright and fresh salad is a fantastic side dish for any summer meal.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- A simple piece of pan-seared salmon
- Crusty garlic bread
- As a light vegetarian main course on its own
How To Store Caprese Pasta Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days, as the basil will lose its freshness and the tomatoes will soften over time.
Caprese Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is white balsamic vinegar?
White balsamic vinegar is made from the same grapes as regular balsamic but is cooked at a lower temperature to maintain its light color. It has a slightly milder, less sweet flavor, which is perfect for not discoloring the pasta and mozzarella in this salad.
Can I add a balsamic glaze?
Absolutely! For an extra layer of sweet and tangy flavor, a drizzle of a thick, syrupy balsamic glaze over the top of the finished salad just before serving would be delicious.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, this salad is a great base for protein. Shredded rotisserie chicken or a can of drained chickpeas would be wonderful additions to make it a more substantial main course.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Loaded Baked Potato Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Wedge Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
A simple, fresh, and vibrant pasta salad that captures all the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining 2/3 cup olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the tomatoes and mozzarella to the dressing and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Gently stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eRinsing the pasta in cold water is a key step to cool it down and stop the cooking process.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLetting the tomatoes and mozzarella marinate in the dressing for a few minutes adds an extra layer of flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, use the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes you can find.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eTossing the cooked pasta with a little olive oil helps prevent it from sticking together as it cools.u003c/liu003e
