Best 5 Caprese Macaroni Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Caprese macaroni salad is a classic summer dish that combines sweet, juicy tomatoes, creamy, soft mozzarella cheese, and aromatic fresh basil in a refreshing pasta salad. This classic salad has many variations, and each family seems to have their own unique twist on the dish. Regardless of how it's made, caprese macaroni salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue and is easy to tailor to your own tastes.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD



Caprese Pasta Salad image

If there's one pasta salad you'll be making on repeat all summer long, it's this caprese pasta salad. It's fast, it's simple, and it's so frigging good.

Provided by Heidi

Categories     Salad

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound short pasta (, such as fusilli, orrechiette, penne)
16 ounces mozzarella balls (, ciligiine or pearls)
3 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup slivered fresh basil
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove (, pressed or minced)

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse lightly with cold water. Set aside to cool.
  • While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls then cut in half. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to a mixing bowl with the mozzarella balls. Add the cooled pasta and slivered basil.
  • In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, add the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well then drizzle over the pasta. Toss to coat and taste for seasoning. The salad is best after about 30 minutes and can be refrigerated for 3 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359 kcal, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 274 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CAPRESE MACARONI SALAD



Caprese Macaroni Salad image

When fresh tomatoes and basil are abundant in the summer, I like to make this wonderful Caprese macaroni salad. -Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian salad dressing mix
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, slivered
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dressing mix, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with basil and Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397 calories, Fat 31g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 458mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD



Caprese Pasta Salad image

This is a great little side dish for a BBQ and much healthier than the typical mayo-based macaroni salad. Olive Oil is packed with mono-unsaturated (good fats) and can help to achieve balanced cholesterol levels. I usually serve this at room temperature, but I've also served it hot and topped it with grilled chicken for a quick weeknight dinner.

Provided by Diet It Up

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut into quarters
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
1/3 cup Italian salad dressing (I like using the Good Seasons packet dressing)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb whole wheat bow tie pasta (I use barilla plus)
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Toss the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes with the Italian dressing. Cover and refrigerate. If I'm making this for dinner, I usually get the cheese and tomatoes in the fridge to marinate a few hours before I plan to assemble the salad.
  • In a skillet on low heat, heat the olive oil, garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook on low for 5-10 minutes allowing the garlic to soften (but not brown) and infuse the oil.
  • Meanwhile, boil the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Set the pasta mixture aside to cool.
  • Once the pasta is cooled, add the cheese and tomatoes along with the dressing marinade. Season the salad with salt and pepper and top with 3 tablespoons fresh basil.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD



Caprese Pasta Salad image

This easy Caprese pasta salad is always a favorite, especially when summer tomatoes are at their peak. It comes together quickly, but if you can make it ahead of time, the flavors seem to get better after it's chilled for a few hours. -Debby Harden, Lansing, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 17 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
3 large heirloom tomatoes (about 2 pounds), seeded and chopped
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Gently stir in the tomatoes, cheese and basil., In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 137mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD



The Best Caprese Salad image

This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!

Provided by ChefJackie

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Blanch the green beans for a few minutes to retain their crispness and color.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or zucchini.
  • Use a high-quality olive oil for the dressing.
  • Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Caprese macaroni salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its colorful appearance and flavorful ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or barbecue.

Related Topics