Welcome to summer! The season where the basil is full and needs deadheading to prevent bolting. Then there are tomatoes, glorious tomatoes. I don’t know about you but a caprese salad is always on my menu during the summer months. And then a recipe to inspire me with pasta found it’s way into my kitchen. Caprese pasta salad was tweaked, changed, made and remade…delivered to friends…and shared with neighbors.

What could be better, right?

This recipe is one that I shared in this month’s VUE magazine…but, many who don’t live here may have missed grabbing a copy or reading online.

What I love about this salad is that I can change it to add seasonal vegetables or meats each and every time. I have added fresh yellow or orange bell peppers; switched out the meats from salami to ham; and switched the types of olives.

Can I tell you that I have LOVED each and every addition to this salad?

Caprese Pasta Salad is a new summer favorite.

It feeds a crowd that gathers, perfect for potlucks, or deliveries to friends who have had illness or surgery, moved or just need a bit of care.

I do hope you’ll try it. To be a true caprese salad, you need to have fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes with a bit of balsamic vinegar or glaze added to the mixture. But feel free to add in your own flavors of veggies and meats to make it your own. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Here you go!

Caprese Pasta Salad

The perfect salad for summer with the flavors of basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar and your favorite additions.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Entree, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 1 large salad

Equipment

1 Stove
1 Stock pot
1 knife and cutting board
1 set Measuring cups/spoons
1 garlic press, optional

Ingredients

1 lb pasta (rotini, shells or bowtie) use gluten free, if needed
1 C olives- green or Kalamata
1 C salami
1 C fresh mozzarella
3 C cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion
1 C fresh basil

Dressing

1/2 C olive oil
3 T fresh lemon juice
2 T honey
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
1 t oregano
1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Fill pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook as directed to al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. Set aside.
Prep all other ingredients, measuring after slicing, etc.
Slice olives in half or leave whole, your preference.
Wash and slice cherry tomatoes in half.
Cut salami into small cubes. TIP: Have sliced thick in deli to make cubes easier.
Use fresh mozzarella balls or cut sliced mozzarella into cubes.
Slice the red onion thinly. Add to cold water for 10 minutes to reduce strong flavor. Drain before adding to salad.
Fold basil and slice into thin strips. Leave a few whole leaves to garnish.
Measure and whisk together all dressing ingredients to emulsify.
In a large serving bowl, add pasta, olives, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onion and sliced basil.
Pour dressing over salad and mix to gently coat all ingredients. Garnish with whole basil leaves.
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy!

Notes

A great cool summer salad that lets you make your own. Feel free to add diced bell peppers, fresh summer corn, switch out salami for ham or turkey, add chopped chives, and more summer vegetables or meats to make it your own.

NOTE: Switch out pasta for a gluten free option if those whose feet are under your table have gluten sensitivity.

Keyword caprese pasta salad, caprese salad, pasta salad

This caprese salad is a continual favorite lunch this summer. Feel free to make it your own by different meats and veggies added. There’s nothing like something cold to have for lunch or summer picnics to beat the summer heat.

And who doesn’t love a great serving bowl? Here are some of my favorites:

I’d love to know your version in the comments, friends. There’s nothing I love better than to share and hear your response.

Need more summer salad ideas? Here you go!

Thanks so much for joining me here,

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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is a new summer favorite.