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Summer Caprese Pasta Salad with Tomato Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 39 reviews

This Summer Caprese Pasta Salad with Tomato Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. Combining al dente pasta with creamy bocconcini, juicy cherry and heirloom tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy tomato-based dressing, this salad is both easy to prepare and bursting with classic Italian flavors. It serves as a delightful side or a light main course, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or quick weeknight meals.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 lb (454g) short spiral pasta (such as fusilli or cavatappi)
  • 7 oz (198g) bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 large (240g) heirloom tomatoes, halved lengthwise
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or ripped into small pieces, plus more for serving

Dressing

  • 2 Tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp (15ml) aged balsamic vinegar, plus more for serving
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • ½ tsp kosher salt, plus a few tablespoons for pasta water
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and season generously with a few tablespoons of kosher salt. Add 8 oz of the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, or one minute longer for a softer texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. Make the tomato dressing: Position a box grater over a large mixing bowl. Finely grate each halved heirloom tomato, scraping out as much pulp as possible while discarding the skins. To the grated tomatoes, add the extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine and taste; adjust salt if necessary.
  3. Toss the salad: Add the cooked pasta, halved bocconcini, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil leaves to the tomato dressing. Toss well to evenly coat all ingredients. Taste again and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Serve: Plate the pasta salad immediately. Drizzle extra balsamic vinegar on top, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish right away for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use any short pasta shapes you prefer, such as fusilli, cavatappi, or penne.
  • Grating the heirloom tomatoes creates a fresh, natural dressing without needing to blend or cook.
  • For a firmer mozzarella texture, use chilled bocconcini and drain well before adding.
  • This salad is best served immediately but can be chilled for up to 1 hour before serving; pasta may absorb dressing over time.
  • Adjust the salt and balsamic vinegar according to your taste preference.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/summer-caprese-pasta-salad-with-tomato-dressing-recipe/