Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad are one of life’s simple pleasures. If I could eat them every single wednesday, I probably would.This Pasta Salad is tossed in a flavored Creamy Caprese dressing,flavors in one delicious side dish.This is sure to become my new cookout staple and holiday celebrations!
Maybe you are a fan of salads, here are some other ideas Easy Caesar Salad,Classic Pasta Salad Recipe and Easy Broccoli Crunch Salad .

I’ll be honest because this all started as a “use up the cherry tomatoes” kind of situation and you know the ones I mean since they seem to multiply in the fridge like rabbits so yeah it was one of those moments and it happened on a lazy wednesday right after a grocery run when I had absolutely zero motivation to cook anything fancy but somehow something happened!!

I just grabbed what I had which was a tub of mozzarella balls although half of them had already mysteriously disappeared and I’m pretty sure the kids were responsible and then I found a handful of fresh basil .

pasta and here’s the twist because I also added mayo so please don’t judge since I know “Caprese” and “creamy” don’t usually go together but just hear me out as this twist turned out to be a total game-changer.
It turned out tangy and herby and it had that cozy creamy vibe that makes you want to go back for seconds or maybe even thirds and honestly there’s no shame in that.

And seriously now who decided that pasta salads should only be made for BBQs because they totally deserve more love any day of the week
So if you’ve got between “20 and 30 “minutes and you love cheese and you’ve got a soft spot for food that looks kind of fancy but actually feels super easy then you’re absolutely in the right place.

Ingredients :

• 3 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1

As you know, the first thing you need to do is cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions usually for 8-10 minutes. When it’s tender but still slightly firm , drain the pasta and rinse it in cold water to cool.

Step 2

Now, try making the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3

Mix ingredients well: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Pour the creamy sauce over everything, stirring gently until the pasta is completely coated.

Step 4

Finally, chill the salad and serve it: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and gives it a very refreshing taste.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make these yummy Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Strainer or colander
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife to cut tomatoes and basil
• Small bowl for mixing dressing
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Refrigerator for chilling the salad

Tips for the Best Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Use short pasta like rotini, bow tie, or penne. These shapes hold the dressing well and are easy to eat with a fork.

Use fresh ingredients like ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. The fresher, the better!

Chill before serving for a better texture and taste. It makes the salad creamier and tastier.

What to Eat with Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad??

I love having this salad with grilled chicken or salmon because it pairs perfectly with those dishes, or even with delicious crusty bread. Sometimes my kids like to take it to school as a snack, or we take it with us on a family picnic because it’s great on its own. It’s our little treat.

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