Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun warms up the days and the aroma of summer beckons, there’s something truly magical about fresh ingredients making their way onto my kitchen counter. One of my all-time favorites for those sun-drenched afternoons is this vibrant Peach Caprese Pasta Salad. With the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches contrasted by the creamy mozzarella and the punch of fresh basil, this dish is a symphony of flavors that’s not only quick to whip up but also a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing side for barbecues or a light lunch bursting with seasonal goodness, this salad checks all the boxes. Are you ready to toss together a delightful twist on a classic? Why is this salad a summer must-try? Freshness Awaits: This Peach Caprese Pasta Salad is a celebration of summer, bringing together juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil for a refreshing dish. Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or impromptu summer gatherings. Versatile Delight: Great as a stand-alone lunch or as a delightful side for your next barbecue or picnic—pair it with flavorful dishes like Garlic Butter Pasta for a complete meal. Flavor Explosion: The tangy balsamic dressing adds a delightful balance to the sweetness of the peaches, making each bite a flavor explosion. Visual Appeal: A feast for the eyes, its colorful medley of ingredients will impress your guests and elevate your table setting. Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients For the Dressing • Balsamic vinegar – Adds tangy acidity to the dressing; red wine vinegar can be a great substitute. • Dijon mustard – Provides a savory depth; no direct substitution needed. • Honey or agave nectar – Brings sweetness; use maple syrup for a vegan option. • Dried oregano – Enhances flavor with herbal notes; Italian seasoning is a perfect alternative. • Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness; avocado oil can be used instead. For the Salad • Pasta (penne, cavatappi, spiral, etc.) – Acts as the base; swap for gluten-free pasta if desired. • Fresh mozzarella (pearls or cubed) – Provides creaminess; burrata cheese offers a luxurious twist. • Peaches (pitted and diced) – Adds sweetness and juiciness; nectarines can be an excellent substitute. • Cherry tomatoes (halved) – Contributes freshness and color; any ripe tomatoes will work well. • Firmly-packed arugula – Adds a peppery bite; spinach is a milder substitute if preferred. • Fresh basil leaves (minced) – Enhances herbaceous flavor; mint can provide a delightful change. This Peach Caprese Pasta Salad is not just a dish, it’s a vibrant celebration of summer! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Step 1: Prepare Balsamic Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano until combined. Slowly drizzle in 6 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other ingredients. Step 2: Cook Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of your preferred pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta, then rinse under cold water for a few seconds to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl. Step 3: Combine Ingredients To the bowl with the pasta, add 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella (either pearls or cubed), 2 medium peaches (pitted and diced), and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss these ingredients together, allowing the peaceful interplay of flavors and textures to emerge. Then, fold in 2 cups of firmly-packed arugula and ¼ cup of minced fresh basil to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly distributed. Step 4: Dress the Salad Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the pasta salad, ensuring each element is coated with that tangy sweetness. Gently toss the salad again, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. At this stage, the Peach Caprese Pasta Salad will look vibrant and inviting, a true representation of summer. Step 5: Chill and Serve For the best flavor experience, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle beautifully. When ready to serve, add the remaining arugula and basil to maintain their freshness, then dish up this delightful salad that captures the essence of summer on every plate. Make Ahead Options These Peach Caprese Pasta Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the balsamic dressing and cook the pasta up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep the cooled pasta in a separate bowl to prevent sticking. The peaches and tomatoes should be added just before serving to ensure freshness. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad in minutes by tossing together the prepped pasta, mozzarella, and fresh ingredients with the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy it. Just remember to fold in the arugula and basil last to keep them vibrant and crisp! What to Serve with Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Set the stage for a delightful meal with these complementary dishes that enhance the vibrant flavors of Peach Caprese Pasta Salad. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, marinated chicken adds a hearty protein boost, perfectly balancing the salad’s freshness. Pairing grilled chicken with the pasta salad offers a satisfying contrast, ideal for summer outings. Garlic Bread: This warm, crispy addition provides a comforting touch, perfect for sopping up the tangy balsamic dressing. The buttery garlic flavor enhances the overall experience, making it a beloved side for any meal. Watermelon Feta Salad: A refreshing summer classic, the sweetness of watermelon and tang of feta compliments the peachy notes beautifully. The creamy feta introduces a delightful saltiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pasta salad. Classic Lemonade: Bright and refreshing, a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade offers a zesty kick that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the dish. This drink is not just thirst-quenching but elevates the summer dining experience. Grilled Asparagus: Tender and lightly charred, asparagus provides a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the salad. It’s a simple yet elegant way to include greens on your plate, enhancing the vibrant meal theme. Berry Tart for Dessert: A sweet yet tart berry tart is the perfect finale, echoing the fresh fruit elements of the salad. The bright flavors and lightness of the dessert ensure your meal ends on a delightful note. Expert Tips for Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil and arugula to enhance flavor—dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrancy in this Peach Caprese Pasta Salad. Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente for the best texture; overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with juicy ingredients. Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Add Ingredients Last: Mix in arugula and basil just before serving to prevent wilting and to keep the salad looking fresh and appealing. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding to the salad; adjust with more honey or vinegar depending on your preference for sweetness or tang. Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to get creative and make this delicious Peach Caprese Pasta Salad your own! Cheese Swap: Replace fresh mozzarella with feta or ricotta for a tangy twist. Both options bring unique flavors that complement the sweetness of peaches beautifully. Nuts Added: Toss in walnuts or almonds for an added crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a delightful nutty flavor that elevates the dish. Avocado Creaminess: Incorporate diced avocado for a rich and creamy texture. The buttery softness of avocado pairs perfectly with the vibrant salad ingredients, making each bite even more satisfying. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat. This will awaken your taste buds and create a lovely contrast to the sweet peaches. Different Greens: Swap the arugula for baby spinach or mixed greens for a milder flavor. Both ingredients maintain the salad’s freshness while catering to different taste preferences. Zesty Citrus: Introduce some freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in the dressing for an extra burst of freshness. This lively addition emphasizes the summer vibes and complements the fruits beautifully. For more refreshing summer inspirations, consider pairing this salad with delightful dishes like Millionaire Peach Salad or a light Pineapple Cucumber Salad to round out your meal! Herb Variation: Mix in mint leaves for a refreshing change. The mint adds a new layer of freshness that beautifully complements the existing flavors in your salad. How to Store and Freeze Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, add arugula and basil right before serving. Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the Peach Caprese Pasta Salad as the ingredients, especially mozzarella and peaches, may become mushy once thawed. Reheating: If you prefer your pasta warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil, but it’s best enjoyed cold to preserve its refreshing flavors. Serving Suggestions: If you’re storing for a gathering, consider preparing the dressing separately to keep the salad vibrant and fresh until it’s time to serve. Peach Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs What type of peaches should I use for the salad? Absolutely! For this Peach Caprese Pasta Salad, look for ripe, juicy peaches that give slightly when gently pressed. Avoid those with dark spots all over, as this may indicate overripeness. Yellow or white peaches both work beautifully and add vibrant flavor. How long can I store the salad in the refrigerator? You can store the Peach Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator! Just remember to add the arugula and basil right before serving to keep them fresh and avoid wilting. Can I freeze Peach Caprese Pasta Salad? It’s best not to freeze this salad since freezing can make the mozzarella and peaches lose their delightful textures, making them mushy once thawed. If you want to save time, consider preparing separate components—like cooking the pasta ahead—then combine everything fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it! What should I do if the dressing is too sweet? If you find that the dressing is a bit too sweet for your taste, simply add a splash more balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance it out. This will create a nice tang that complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. Can I make this salad gluten-free? Very! Just swap the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties available in stores. There are plenty of options that hold up well in salads, ensuring everyone can enjoy this refreshing Peach Caprese Pasta Salad. Is this salad suitable for people with dairy allergies? If you have dairy allergies, I recommend using a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well or simply opt to leave it out altogether. The sweetness of the peaches and the tangy balsamic dressing will keep the flavor delightful without the mozzarella! Peach Caprese Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight Delight in the vibrant Peach Caprese Pasta Salad, a refreshing summer dish featuring juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and crisp basil. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: Salads RecipesCuisine: ItalianCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dressing3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Red wine vinegar can be a great substitute.1 tablespoon Dijon mustard No direct substitution needed.1 tablespoon honey Use maple syrup for a vegan option.1 teaspoon dried oregano Italian seasoning is a perfect alternative.6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Avocado oil can be used instead.For the Salad8 ounces pasta (penne, cavatappi, spiral, etc.) Swap for gluten-free pasta if desired.8 ounces fresh mozzarella Either pearls or cubed; burrata cheese offers a luxurious twist.2 medium peaches Pitted and diced; nectarines can be an excellent substitute.1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved; any ripe tomatoes will work well.2 cups firmly-packed arugula Spinach is a milder substitute if preferred.¼ cup fresh basil leaves Minced; mint can provide a delightful change. Equipment large potMixing Bowlwhisksmall bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and dried oregano. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside in a large mixing bowl.Add fresh mozzarella, diced peaches, and halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta. Gently toss together. Then, fold in arugula and minced basil.Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Add remaining arugula and basil just before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesUse fresh herbs for best flavor. Refrigerate for at least an hour to meld flavors. Mix in arugula and basil just before serving to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
