Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad

Pioneer Woman caprese pasta salad takes 25 minutes and cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls and fresh basil to make a juicy, no-mayo pasta dish with a garlicky white balsamic dressing. It's an easy summer pasta salad for cookouts, potlucks or Fourth of July, and it's make-ahead friendly.

Let the tomatoes and mozzarella marinate in the dressing for 15 minutes before the cooled pasta goes in, because that time lets the garlic and vinegar soak into everything. Skip it and the flavor stays in the bowl while the pasta tastes plain.

Rinsing the pasta under cold water and coating it with a spoonful of olive oil keeps the pieces from clumping as they cool. A white balsamic dressing also keeps the salad bright and pale, so the red tomatoes and green basil stay the stars instead of turning murky and brown.

Pioneer Woman Caprese Pasta Salad

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Course: SaladCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

776

kcal

Tender pasta twists soak up a garlicky white balsamic dressing while juicy tomatoes and soft mozzarella add creamy, fresh bites. Fresh basil goes in last, so it stays green and fragrant.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. casarecce, penne, or any short pasta
  

• 2/3 c. plus 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided
  

• 1/3 c. white balsamic vinegar
  

• 2 garlic cloves, grated
  

• 1 tsp. kosher salt
  

• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  

• 4 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
  

• 16 oz. small mozzarella balls or pearls
  

• 1 c. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  

• Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
  

Directions

• Cook the pasta: Cook 1 lb. casarecce, penne, or any short pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and rinse with cold water. Return it to the pot and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil so it doesn't stick.
• Whisk the dressing: Whisk 2/3 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar, 2 grated garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper in a large bowl. Keep whisking until the dressing looks smooth and combined.
• Marinate the tomatoes: Add 4 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 16 oz. small mozzarella balls or pearls to the dressing, then toss to coat. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes while the pasta cools.
• Toss it together: Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Then stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil.
• Garnish and serve: Scatter a little more basil over the top. Add red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Tools for this recipe

• Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set, OXO 11-inch balloon whisk, OXO 5-quart stainless steel colander, Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 3 lb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can toss everything together a few hours before serving and keep it covered in the fridge. Save the basil for the last minute so it stays green, and give the salad a good stir before it goes on the table.

How long does leftover caprese pasta salad keep?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within about 3 days. The pasta soaks up the dressing as it sits, so a small drizzle of olive oil and vinegar freshens it up before serving.

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white balsamic?

You can, but regular balsamic turns the salad dark and brown, and the flavor is stronger and sweeter. If that's all you have, use a little less. White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar also works if you want to keep it light.

What can I use if I don't have a short pasta like casarecce?

Penne, rotini, fusilli or bowtie pasta all work, since the shapes hold dressing in their curves. Cook any of them until just tender so they don't turn mushy once they're chilled and tossed.

What's the most common mistake with this salad?

Adding the pasta while it's still warm is the biggest one, because the heat softens the mozzarella and wilts the basil. Let the pasta cool fully after rinsing, so the cheese stays creamy and the tomatoes stay fresh.