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Caprese Strawberry Pasta Salad

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

February 19, 2021

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5 from 5 votes

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Caprese Strawberry Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Sweet strawberries combine with creamy mozzarella, basil and a tangy balsamic glaze. 

Here in Oregon, we have the perfect summertime climate –  with warm sunny days and cool nights, it’s the perfect climate for growing the wine that our state is known for, Pinot Noir. But did you know it’s also the perfect weather pattern for growing the sweetest and most delicious strawberries? Oregon strawberries are just the best – and I’m making the best of the last berries of the season by adding them to a caprese pasta salad.

We all know the standard caprese salad ingredients:

  • Tomatoes
  • Mozzarella
  • Basil
  • Balsamic

But, there’s no reason that we can’t swap out the tomatoes for strawberries in a caprese salad. They’re both juicy, they’re both sweet and they’re both red. They’re both delicious caprese salad ingredients

But to amp this salad up just a bit further, I’m adding two more ingredients – pasta & avocado.

Have I won you over yet?

Strawberries in green produce box.
Ingredients for Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

This Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to potlucks. Not only is it unique and interesting, but it also keeps well an can be made ahead of time.

To make this salad ahead of time, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the strawberries and mozzarella cheese. When ready to serve, add in the diced avocado, basil, and drizzle on the balsamic glaze.

The balsamic glaze that I’m using is actually store bought. I love having it on hand to drizzle over cooked chicken or steaks, or roasted veggies. It’ll last indefinitely in your cupboard and just helps to elevate a basic, otherwise boring dish.

However, if you’d like to make your own balsamic glaze, you can definitely do that too! It only takes two ingredients – balsamic vinegar and sugar.Hand holding bowl of Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

Side view of Strawberry Caprese Pasta SaladHow do you make balsamic glaze?

  • Heat 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 3 Tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Let it cool before serving. You’ll have extra from this recipe and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.

The balsamic glaze is also amazing drizzled over a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with Oregon strawberries. The combination of sweet with the tart balsamic is just amazing. You can even sprinkle on some coarse black pepper for an extra kick.

Overhead shot of Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad next to chopped basil.

Salad Recipes: 

  • Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
  • Mexican Street Corn Salad with Pearl Couscous
  • Vegan Caesar Salad
  • 30-Minute Thai Beef Salad
  • Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad

Wine Pairings with Caprese Salad: 

  • Look for fruity wines with high acidity. Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling Wine are great matches for this dish.

If you loved this Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings. 

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Strawberry Pasta Salad Recipe

Overhead shot of Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad

Full Recipe

Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Sweet strawberries combine with creamy mozzarella, basil and a tangy balsamic glaze.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta (I used mini farfalle)
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (stemmed and cut in half)
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
  • 1 ripe avocado (pitted and diced)
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed torn fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 4 Tablespoons balsamic glaze (I used Colavita)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Add to a large bowl and toss with olive oil.
  • Add in strawberries, mozzarella, avocado and basil, toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Notes

To make balsamic glaze, heat 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 3 Tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 124mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 290IU | Vitamin C: 50.1mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

I teamed up with Oregon Strawberries to bring you this post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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10 responses

  1. georgie
    September 21, 2018

    5 stars
    this looks gorgeous Erin! I feel like I’m clinging onto the last days of summer with this salad!!! the colours are beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 25, 2018

      Thank you so much Georgie!

      Reply
  2. Pech
    September 21, 2018

    Strawberry Caprese Salad sound good to me, so sweet and fresh but the pasta also makes it filling and comforting!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 25, 2018

      I hope you love it Pech!

      Reply
  3. Breona Graper
    September 21, 2018

    5 stars
    OH MY GAWD Erin, you’ve done it again. This is making my mouth water. I agree, a perfect potluck dish or main dish for me at home to eat off of for the week. Your pictures are as stunning as ever. I cant wait to try.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 25, 2018

      Thank you so much Breona!

      Reply
  4. Jenni LeBaron
    September 22, 2018

    5 stars
    I love adding strawberries to savory summer salads. It adds just the right amount of sweetness! I think this is the perfect dish to hold onto summer just a little longer.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 25, 2018

      I agree Jenni – I’m not quite ready for fall yet.

      Reply
  5. Mary
    September 24, 2018

    5 stars
    My kids would flip for this. We’re strawberry freaks around here (and they’re pasta freaks). You’re right, Oregon strawberries are the absolute best! Sweetest and most delicious strawberries I’ve ever had.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      September 25, 2018

      Aren’t they just amazing – They’re so sweet and juicy!

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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