Caprese Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Parma Ham

The Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian appetizer, transforming it into a savory pasta dish. This summer recipe features juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and crispy Parma ham, all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for your next barbecue.

Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe stands out because every ingredient plays a crucial role, coming together like a well-coordinated sports team to create something special.

• Pasta: Short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works best, as they absorb the dressing well.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Ripe, sweet tomatoes provide the most flavor.
• Mini Mozzarella: Creamy mozzarella balls enrich every bite.
• Parma Ham: Crispy and salty, adding a delightful crunch.
• Fresh Basil: The signature flavor of Caprese.
• Dried Tomatoes: For a touch of sweetness and deep flavor.
• Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a healthy crunch.
• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Garlic: These ingredients create a simple dressing that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

Preparation for Italian Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe is straightforward enough for novice cooks. Here’s how to make it:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, then let it drain well. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts and crisp the Parma ham in a pan.

2. Prepare the Dressing and Assemble the Salad: Mix the dressing ingredients together. In a bowl, combine the salad ingredients—tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, dried tomatoes, crispy Parma ham, and toasted pine nuts—then drizzle the dressing over the top.

3. Final Touches: Toss everything together, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with extra basil.

You can find the exact ingredients and quantities for this Italian pasta salad in the recipe card below, which you can also print out.

Why You Will Love This Caprese Pasta Salad

Not only does my Italian pasta salad taste fantastic and enhance the summer experience, but there are several more reasons you’ll likely enjoy it as much as I do:

• Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
• Flavor is wonderfully balanced with creamy, fresh, tangy, and savory notes.
• Crispy Parma ham adds that special touch to this delicious pasta salad recipe.
• An excellent choice for barbecues and summer gatherings.
• The Caprese pasta salad can be easily prepared in advance, making it a great meal prep option.

More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes to Fall in Love With

For the Pasta Salad:

• 400 g Short Pasta (e.g., fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
• 2 tbsp Pine Nuts
• 90 g Parma Ham (Prosciutto di Parma), roughly chopped
• 600 g Cherry Tomatoes or Mini Roma Tomatoes, halved
• 50 g Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil), finely chopped
• 2 packs Mini Mozzarella (125 g each), well-drained and halved
• A large handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or torn, plus extra for garnish
• A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 5 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (good quality, adjust to taste)
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente (check package instructions). Drain and rinse briefly under cold water until cool. Drain well and transfer to a large salad bowl.

2. Toast Pine Nuts and Crisp Parma Ham: Heat a dry non-stick pan over medium heat. Toast pine nuts, stirring gently until golden brown and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.

   Next, in the same pan, crisp the Parma ham without adding extra fat for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad: Add cherry tomatoes, dried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, red chili flakes, crispy Parma ham, and most of the toasted pine nuts to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Drizzle the dressing over and gently mix to coat everything. Season with black pepper and salt. TIP: Keep in mind that the Parma ham is already salty!

5. Final Touches: Sprinkle the remaining toasted pine nuts and extra basil over the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional balsamic vinegar as desired. Enjoy!

Calories: 413 kcal

• Rinsing the Pasta: This step is crucial. Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking stops the cooking process, washes away excess starch, and prevents sticking.
• Using Ripe Tomatoes: The riper they are, the sweeter they will be. The sweetness of the tomatoes contributes wonderful flavor to the Caprese pasta salad.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Caprese pasta salad a few hours in advance. Just add the basil and crispy Parma ham just before serving to maintain the best texture.
• Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The Parma ham will soften, but fresh basil leaves and a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar will revive the delicious salad.

For a relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen, I recommend my personal Elle Republic: Chilled Out Kitchen Tunes Playlist on Spotify.

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