![To make the Easy Caprese Pasta Salad, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz. rotini or any pasta of your choice - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 avocado, diced - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder Each ingredient plays an important role. The rotini pasta gives a nice twist and holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess and a touch of richness. Avocado gives a creamy texture and healthy fats. Basil adds a lovely herb flavor that brightens the dish. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar create a simple, tangy dressing. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. If you want a little kick, add garlic powder. You can find the full recipe for this delightful dish, which includes helpful cooking steps and tips. Enjoy selecting your ingredients, and remember, fresh is always best! To cook the pasta perfectly, boil water in a large pot. Use about four quarts of water for every eight ounces of pasta. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This helps flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite into it. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down quickly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil. This mix brings together fresh, vibrant flavors. Each ingredient adds a unique taste and texture. Next, prepare the dressing in a separate small bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you chose to use it. Make sure everything is well blended. This dressing elevates the salad with a delicious zing. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss the mixture to ensure every piece is coated. This makes each bite flavorful and fresh. Now, adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar if needed. Taste it and make sure it suits your preference. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the delightful and fresh taste of your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To make your Caprese pasta salad shine, start with fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella add vibrant taste. Salt and pepper elevate the dish. You can also add garlic powder for a nice kick. If you want a zestier flavor, increase the balsamic vinegar. You can tweak the dressing until it suits your taste buds. Remember, tasting is key! For a stunning presentation, use a large salad bowl. Garnish with whole basil leaves and cherry tomatoes. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve with crusty bread or grilled chicken for a complete meal. This salad pairs well with white wine or sparkling water. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side for dinner. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type for fun. Try penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type brings a unique twist to your dish. If you want to add more crunch, toss in bell peppers or cucumbers. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also add great flavor. To make this salad vegan, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese. You can also use extra avocado or nuts for creaminess. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or canned chickpeas. These adjustments make the salad hearty and satisfying. Want the full recipe? Check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in while keeping air out. I recommend using glass containers. They do not absorb odors and are safe for the fridge. If you're using plastic, choose BPA-free options. Your salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Look for signs that the salad has gone bad. If you see any mold or notice a sour smell, it is best to toss it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors mix. I recommend making it a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 24 hours. To stop the avocado from browning, sprinkle it with lemon juice. The acid helps keep its bright green color. You can also mix the diced avocado in right before serving. This way, it stays fresh and pretty. The best pasta for Caprese salad is rotini or any short pasta. Rotini holds the dressing well and adds fun texture. You can also try penne or farfalle. They all work great and taste delicious in the salad. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This salad combines fresh ingredients for a light meal. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly and mix it with other tasty elements. We explored tips to enhance flavors and make the dish your own. I shared variations for dietary needs and advice on storing leftovers. Ultimately, this salad is simple and fun to enjoy. Make it to impress your friends or family. It's a fresh addition to any table. Happy cooking!](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/641e8ed2-8f86-4667-9fab-c2a983da8105-300x300.webp)
Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Enjoy a burst of flavors with this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad! This refreshing dish combines rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and ripe avocado, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a light meal, it's quick to prepare and sure to impress. Dive into this delightful recipe and make your next meal unforgettable. Click to discover the complete recipe and tips to make it shine!