Fresh & Flavorful Summer Caprese Pasta Salad: An Easy Recipe with Perfect Wine Pairings for Your Next Backyard BBQ
Ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant sweet basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese unite in a symphony of flavors to create the quintessential summer pasta salad – a dish that embodies the very essence of seasonal eating and effortless entertaining.
As the long, sun-drenched days of summer arrive, my kitchen mantra becomes “fresh, vibrant, and simple.” There’s something undeniably magical about crafting meals with ingredients that have just been harvested, bursting with natural sweetness and unparalleled flavor. This Caprese Pasta Salad is a testament to that philosophy, showcasing the very best of garden-fresh produce. We all know that tomatoes picked straight off the vine offer an experience unmatched by any store-bought alternative. Their deep red hue, tender skin, and explosion of sweet, juicy flavor truly elevate any dish they grace.
While my own garden’s tomato plants are still in their nascent stages, patiently awaiting their fruiting season, I didn’t let that deter my quest for the perfect Caprese. Instead, I sourced a magnificent basket of sun-ripened grape tomatoes from my local farmer’s market – a delightful alternative that still delivers that coveted fresh-from-the-earth taste. Happily, my thriving basil plants are in full swing, providing an abundant supply of aromatic leaves. A few quick snips, and those vibrant green treasures were ready to lend their distinctive perfume and flavor to this delightful salad.
For now, I’m eagerly anticipating the day – hopefully just a few short weeks away – when I can step barefoot into my garden, pluck warm grape tomatoes directly from the vine, and pop them into my mouth. The thought alone fills me with joy; I can almost taste that pure, unadulterated summer sweetness!
This week, the fantastic #SundaySupper team is coming together in an exciting partnership with Gallo Family Vineyards to celebrate the quintessential American tradition: a backyard barbecue party! This event is all about embracing the warmer weather with delicious food, perfectly paired wines, and plenty of classic backyard games to keep the fun flowing.
During these warmer months, my palate often gravitates towards wines with a slightly sweeter profile, complementing the light, fresh flavors of summer cuisine. For this occasion, I’ve chosen to pair my Caprese Pasta Salad with two exceptional selections from Gallo Family Vineyards: their delightful Sweet White Blend and their inviting Sweet Red. Serving chilled wine is an absolute non-negotiable for summer gatherings, so I keep my bottles nestled in a cooler packed with ice, allowing guests the freedom to serve themselves at their leisure. I even went a step further this year and invested in elegant plastic wine glasses, ensuring both convenience and safety without sacrificing style.
Gallo’s Sweet White Blend is a true revelation for summer sipping. It’s wonderfully bright, crisp, and bursts with an abundance of fresh fruit flavors, notably ripe peach and succulent melon, creating a refreshing and uplifting experience. Their Sweet Red, on the other hand, is a medium-bodied blend that captivates with the rich, ripe notes of sweet red berries. Both selections are absolutely delightful, offering a smooth and approachable drinking experience – almost *too* smooth, making them incredibly easy to enjoy throughout an afternoon barbecue.
This vibrant Caprese pasta salad truly captures the spirit of summer. It’s generously loaded with those vine-ripened tomatoes, tender pasta, creamy chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese, and, of course, that intoxicatingly fragrant basil from my very own garden. The entire salad is then lightly tossed with a simple yet incredibly flavorful balsamic vinaigrette, which perfectly complements and enhances all the natural ingredients. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its incredible efficiency: it comes together in approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights. It’s a truly fantastic recipe for entertaining, offering the added convenience of being prepared 2-3 days ahead of time. In fact, this is precisely the type of salad that miraculously improves with time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully as it sits in the dressing.
This Caprese pasta salad strikes a perfect balance, being both hearty and satisfying without feeling overly heavy. It’s brimming with wholesome, good-for-you ingredients, making it a healthy and delicious choice. It can effortlessly serve as a vibrant side dish alongside your main barbecue attraction, or it can stand proudly as a light yet fulfilling meal all on its own. Its versatility and fresh appeal make it a perennial favorite for any summer occasion.
Ready to find these amazing wines for your next gathering? Locate a Gallo retailer near you using their convenient store locator. To stay updated on Gallo Family Vineyards’ latest news, events, and wine releases, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For even more fantastic wine pairing suggestions and inspiring recipes perfect for your backyard barbecue, don’t forget to visit Gallo’s insightful blog post and explore the comprehensive Cooking with Wine Pinterest board curated by the #SundaySupper team.
Caprese Pasta Salad
This vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad brings together the best of summer: ripe tomatoes, fragrant sweet basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a zesty balsamic vinaigrette for a truly flavorful and refreshing dish.
Yield: 8 servings
Total Time: 22 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste for convenience)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- A generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad:
- 1 pound dried rotini pasta (or any medium-sized pasta shape that holds dressing well)
- 1 and 1/2 pints sweet grape tomatoes, halved for easier eating and better flavor distribution
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably bocconcini or ciliegine, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 large bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped (yielding approximately 1 and 1/2 cups for vibrant flavor)
Directions:
Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until well combined.
- While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture. Once all the olive oil has been incorporated, give the mixture a few final, vigorous shakes or stirs to ensure it is thoroughly combined and perfectly blended.
Assemble the Salad:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add several generous pinches of kosher salt to the water; it should taste distinctly like seawater – this is crucial for flavoring the pasta from within. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture, typically about 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Immediately rinse the pasta with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky. Give the colander a few good shakes to ensure all excess water is removed, as any remaining water can dilute the dressing.
- Transfer the cooled and drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes and the cubed fresh mozzarella cheese. Handle these ingredients carefully to avoid crushing the tomatoes or breaking the cheese.
- Pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta mixture. Gently stir to combine, ensuring all the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Cover the bowl, or transfer the salad to an airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to chill. This chilling time allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, making the salad even more delicious. Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped basil. The basil’s delicate aroma and flavor are best when added fresh, retaining its vibrant green color and potency.
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Be sure to explore the other incredible #SundaySupper recipes featured this week. There’s a dish for every palate, perfect for expanding your backyard barbecue menu:
Appetizers to Kick Off Your Party:
- Buffalo Bread by Feed Me, Seymour
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings by Casa de Crews
- Creamy Asparagus Puffs by Brunch with Joy
Impressive Main Dishes for the Grill:
- Bibimbap Bar by kimchi MOM
- Chicken Satay by Curious Cuisiniere
- Citrus Grilled Chicken Under a Brick by Nosh My Way
- Garlicky Sirloin Steak For A Crowd by Family Foodie
- Grilled Chicken Salad Sandwiches by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
- Grilled Mediterranean Salmon Burgers with Tzatziki by Simply Healthy Family
- Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps by Take A Bite Out of Boca
Delicious Sides and Refreshing Salads:
- Bacon Strawberry and Farro Salad by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Balsamic Blueberry Salad by Alida’s Kitchen
- Caprese Pasta Salad by One Sweet Mess
- Grilled Rainbow Potato Salad by Shockingly Delicious
- Spicy Watermelon Salad by Ruffles & Truffles
- Tortellini Salad by Magnolia Days
Sweet Endings with Desserts:
- Coconut Shortcakes with Grilled Pineapple by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Frozen Root Beer Float Pie by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Grilled Peaches with Brioche by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- S’more Cookie Cups by Desserts Required
Helpful BBQ Tips:
- 5 Tips for Using BBQ Sauce by Sunday Supper Movement
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter this Sunday! We engage in lively discussions throughout the day, sharing fantastic recipes from talented food bloggers all over the world. Our main weekly chat officially kicks off at 7:00 pm ET. To participate and connect with our wonderful community, simply follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in all your tweets. For even more great Sunday Supper Recipes, be sure to visit our official website or explore our extensive Pinterest board, packed with culinary inspiration.
Are you interested in becoming a part of the vibrant Sunday Supper Movement? It’s incredibly easy to join our growing community of food lovers. You can sign up and find out more by simply clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
Disclosure: Compensation for this post was generously provided by Gallo Family Vineyards through Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions and views expressed herein are entirely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.