This Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a wonderful mix of pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s creamy, colorful, and totally refreshing for any meal!
I love how you can whip this up in no time! Just cook the pasta, mix in everything, and voilà! Perfect for summer picnics or a cozy dinner at home. 🍅🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its shape holds onto the dressing well. You can easily swap it for other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add great sweetness. If they’re out of season, grape tomatoes are a good substitute. For a different taste, you can use sun-dried tomatoes, but chop them finely.
Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella adds a soft and creamy texture. Bocconcini are fun for a bit of variety! If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using vegan cheese or leave it out entirely.
Fresh Basil: This is key for that authentic Caprese flavor. If fresh basil isn’t available, you can sprinkle in some dried basil, but use less since it’s more concentrated. I also like adding some fresh parsley for extra color!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combo makes the dressing creamy. You could use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative or even a dairy-free yogurt if needed. For a lighter dressing, you could use just one of them.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad is Creamy and Flavorful?
To achieve that creamy texture and great flavor, focus on a couple of key steps. First, rinse the pasta under cold water right after draining. This stops the cooking process and helps it stay firm.
- Blend the dressing well until it’s completely smooth. Use a whisk to ensure everything is combined. You can also use a jar and shake it to mix it!
- When combining the pasta and other salad ingredients, gently toss them to avoid breaking the mozzarella.
- Don’t skip chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle together, enhancing the taste!
Tweak the ingredients to match what you have and enjoy making it your own!
Easy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and you should allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for it to chill and let those fabulous flavors meld together. So overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further, then let it drain well.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and sliced fresh basil. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together evenly.
3. Preparing the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth and creamy.
4. Combining Everything:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure all the ingredients are coated in that yummy dressing.
5. Chilling Out:
Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those lovely flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge. If you want, add extra fresh basil on top for a nice touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delightful, creamy Caprese pasta salad!
This pasta salad is not only perfect for a light lunch or picnic but also makes a fantastic side dish at family gatherings, capturing all the classic flavors of Caprese salad in a fun and creamy format. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or other gluten-free grains. Just follow the cooking instructions for the specific type of gluten-free pasta you choose, as cooking times may vary.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but it’s best to eat them within a couple of days for optimal freshness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and crunch. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they mix well with the pasta.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with more sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a vinaigrette for a lighter option. An avocado-based dressing could work wonderfully too, adding creaminess and healthy fats!
