Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

This Italian Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor in every bite! Tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are tossed together in a bright garlic lemon vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or an easy lunch everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fusilli pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Lemon Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the pasta cools, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the fresh basil and prepare the mozzarella cheese.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and honey. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is fully mixed and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil. Drizzle the garlic lemon vinaigrette over the salad.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Gently toss the pasta salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Add an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired for more flavor and shine.

Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb the delicious dressing.

Serving Suggestions
This Caprese Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, seafood, or sandwiches. It also works wonderfully as a light vegetarian lunch or refreshing summer side dish.

Tips

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella pearls are convenient, but diced fresh mozzarella also works great.
• Add balsamic glaze before serving for extra richness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This easy pasta salad is bright, refreshing, and always a hit at gatherings!