Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Burrata Basil Delight
A fresh Caprese pasta salad featuring creamy burrata, fragrant basil, and sun-ripened tomatoes tossed with al dente pasta. This light yet filling salad is perfect for summer and quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh burrata cheese, torn into chunks
- 2 cups (300 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (about 20 grams) fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Let it drain completely.
- While the pasta cooks, halve 2 cups (300 g) of cherry tomatoes. Wash and dry 1 cup (20 g) of fresh basil leaves, then tear or chiffonade them into bite-sized pieces.
- If using, finely mince 1 clove of garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Tear 8 ounces (225 g) of fresh burrata into chunks and gently fold it into the salad, allowing it to melt slightly and coat the pasta.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Add more olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Use room temperature burrata and olive oil for better flavor melding. Fold burrata gently to keep creamy pockets. Choose short pasta shapes with grooves like fusilli or farfalle to hold dressing well. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to keep it firm. Make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar if desired. Add burrata just before serving if prepping ahead to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per s
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, burrata, basil, fresh tomatoes, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Italian salad, quick salad recipe