Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing yet satisfying dish that blends creamy comfort with fresh Mediterranean flavors, this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is exactly what you need! Juicy tomatoes, tender pasta, and chunks of mozzarella are tossed in a creamy basil dressing for a delicious twist on the classic Caprese salad. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light main course, this dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Prepare – Comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Fresh & Creamy – Combines garden-fresh ingredients with a luscious dressing.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal as a side dish or light meal for lunch or dinner.
Customizable – Easy to adapt with add-ins like grilled chicken, olives, or arugula.
Kid-Friendly – Mild and creamy, it’s a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
• ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Basil Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for depth)

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife and cutting board
Blender or food processor (optional, for smooth dressing)
Large spoon or spatula for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
4. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Basil Dressing

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan (if using).
3. For a smoother dressing, you can blend the mixture in a food processor until creamy.
4. Chill the dressing while prepping the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Caprese Ingredients

1. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the mozzarella if not using pearls.
2. Thinly slice the red onion and tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onion, and basil.
2. Pour the creamy basil dressing over the salad.
3. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and ingredients are well mixed.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
2. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
3. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
Use Al Dente Pasta – Overcooked pasta gets mushy when mixed with dressing.
Cool Pasta Completely – Prevents wilting the fresh ingredients and diluting the dressing.
Choose Fresh Mozzarella – Soft, creamy mozzarella pearls work best for texture and flavor.
Adjust Consistency – If the dressing thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk or lemon juice before serving.
Make Ahead – This salad can be made up to a day in advance and tastes even better after chilling.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken – Add sliced grilled chicken for a heartier version.
Garlic Bread – A crusty side makes it a complete meal.
Fresh Fruit – Serve with watermelon, cantaloupe, or a citrus salad for a refreshing balance.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Light drinks complement the creamy dressing perfectly.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do Not Freeze: Dairy-based dressings do not freeze well and can separate when thawed.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—this pasta salad is best enjoyed cold.
If serving leftovers, stir gently and add a little dressing or olive oil to refresh the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Yes! Bowtie, penne, or macaroni all work well in this recipe.
2. What if I don’t like raw onions?
   You can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, or skip it altogether.
3. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
   Fresh basil is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but you can use 1 tsp of dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
4. Is there a dairy-free option?
   Use a plant-based mayo and yogurt to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
5. How can I make this gluten-free?
   Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same steps.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of comfort and freshness. With its creamy basil dressing, juicy tomatoes, and tender mozzarella, it offers everything you love about Caprese salad in pasta form. Ideal for lunches, gatherings, or a weeknight side, this dish is versatile, quick, and guaranteed to impress.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 320mg

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