Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Bright, bold, and positively bursting with flavor, Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate way to celebrate fresh summer ingredients with style. The sweetness of ripe strawberries plays off creamy bocconcini, savory herbs, and tender pasta, all brought together by a vibrant balsamic dressing. This showstopper is just as at home at a casual picnic as it is on the table for your next family gathering, making it a dish that’s sure to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad truly irresistible is the way each ingredient shines without much fuss. These essentials come together in harmony, balancing freshness, tang, creaminess, and crunch for a salad that’s more than the sum of its parts.
- Pasta (3 cups dry, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle): Short shapes catch every bit of dressing and hold their bite well for a hearty salad.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 ½ cups, sliced): Sweet, juicy berries infuse pops of color and unexpected flavor.
- Mini Bocconcini (1 cup, halved): These tender mozzarella balls lend milky richness and classic Caprese vibes.
- Red Onion (½ small, thinly sliced): A little sharpness balances the sweet strawberries beautifully.
- Fresh Basil (½ cup, rough chopped): This fragrant herb adds unmistakable freshness with every bite.
- Baby Arugula (3 cups): Tossed in for a peppery bite and loads of vivid green color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Feta Cheese (½ cup, optional): For a little extra tang and creaminess, sprinkle on top.
- Toasted Pine Nuts (¼ cup, optional): They add buttery crunch and a touch of luxury.
- Balsamic Vinegar (2 tablespoons): The tangy backbone of your homemade dressing.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Rich and fruity, it coats the pasta and lets the other flavors pop.
- Balsamic Glaze (1 tablespoon, plus more for drizzling): Sweet and thick for a gorgeous finish.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- More Salt and Pepper (to taste): Taste, tweak, and make it your own.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil and cooking your pasta of choice according to the package directions. You want it just al dente, so it holds up in the salad. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse with cold water to cool the noodles completely. This quick rinse helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together. Set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
Grab a small bowl or jar and combine the balsamic vinegar, good olive oil, balsamic glaze, and your choice of honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, then whisk or shake until the dressing emulsifies and is glossy. The sweet-tart mix is what truly makes Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad shine.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, layer in the cooled pasta, sliced strawberries, halved bocconcini, thinly sliced red onion, freshly chopped basil, and a generous mound of baby arugula. If you want to go the extra mile, this is also where you can toss in crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts for even more flavor and texture. Gently toss it all together so the greens stay fluffy and the strawberries don’t get squished.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the salad with your homemade balsamic dressing and toss everything gently to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning—maybe a little extra salt or a grind of pepper for good measure. Don’t forget that all-important drizzle of thick, sweet balsamic glaze just before it hits the table. It makes the Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad look absolutely irresistible and adds a final burst of flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish never goes amiss! Scatter on some extra basil leaves, an extra handful of crumbled feta, a few more slices of strawberry, or a last drizzle of balsamic glaze. These little touches make your Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad look gourmet and taste every bit as special as it feels.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or a crusty loaf of bread for a simple but stunning meal. It’s a perfect partner for anything fresh from the grill, or you can keep it light with sparkling water and a fruit platter if you’re serving it picnic-style.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad in individual glass jars or cups—guaranteed crowd-pleasers! Layering all those gorgeous colors makes for a show-stopping display. Or, pile it high on a rustic wooden platter so guests can scoop their own, family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad keeps surprisingly well if stored correctly. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate, ideally with the dressing kept separate if possible. The flavors meld overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as strawberries and fresh greens lose their texture and bocconcini changes consistency in the freezer. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is at its best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If pulling it straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! Any short pasta that holds dressing well—like penne, cavatappi, or even orecchiette—works beautifully. Choose your favorite for extra personality.
What’s the best way to toast pine nuts?
Gently toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly. They go from pale to golden in just a couple of minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!
Can I make Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad vegan?
You sure can! Simply leave out the bocconcini and feta, or swap them for your favorite plant-based cheeses. The salad is still vibrant and bursting with flavor.
How far in advance can I prep Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad?
You can assemble the ingredients and keep them (and the dressing) separate in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use your preferred gluten-free short pasta for the base, and the rest of the Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just any pasta salad—it’s a joyful celebration of color, flavor, and everything there is to love about eating fresh. If you’re looking for a new signature side or just want to shake up your summertime routine, give Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad a try. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!
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Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with sweet strawberries, creamy bocconcini, and peppery arugula, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 3 cups dry short pasta (ie: rotini, fusilli or farfalle)
- 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup mini bocconcini, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, rough chopped
- 3 cups baby arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, balsamic glaze, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, strawberries, bocconcini, red onion, basil, arugula, and any optional ingredients like feta and pine nuts.
- Drizzle and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill until ready to serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with more balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese Salad, Pasta Salad, Strawberry Salad, Balsamic Dressing
