Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad

"My Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavor from juicy grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. It’s a foolproof, make-ahead-friendly recipe that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy summer dinners. When I want to fill out my party table, I love to make a refreshing pasta salad. These are a few favorites: my tri-color rotini pasta salad with Italian dressing and my pasta bacon ranch salad. They are both delicious, colorful, and easy to prep ahead. With bold flavors and beautiful presentation, this salad is a no-fail crowd-pleaser. It celebrates the classic Caprese trio – ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil – which are inherently delicious and refreshing, especially in warmer weather. It’s generally very simple to put together, often requiring minimal cooking (just the pasta) and mostly assembly. Unlike many dishes, pasta salads often improve with a little time for the flavors to meld, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. It’s a fantastic side dish for almost any meal, a light main course, or a perfect contribution to a gathering. The red of the tomatoes, white of the mozzarella, and green of the basil make for a visually stunning dish."

Preparation Time15 min

Chilling Time30 min

Cooking Time10 min