I’m absolutely obsessed with this fresh and flavorful Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad!
There is so much going on inside that pasta salad.
Creamy pasta… check. Plump tomatoes… check. Crisp cucumber… check. Cheesy blobs… check. Ripe California Avocado… double check!!
I love a cool pasta salad on a warm summer day. We’re finally starting to get into some warmer weather, and while I feel like I should have enjoyed the cooler weather a little longer, I’m ready for some heat!
I love when the cooking goes outside. BBQ’s, fire roasting, smoked meats… all accompanied with cold pasta, watermelon, and of course popsicles!
I especially love that summer means peak California Avocado Season!
I enjoy as much avocado as I can. I’m like the Bubba Gump of avocado. I stick that green goodness into everything! You better believe it went fabulously into this fresh pasta salad!
I used my Aunt’s Shrimp Pasta recipe and tweaked it to fit the classic Caprese flavors. Mozzarella, tomato, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
I love the small Ditalini pasta for pasta salads. They’re so cute and easy to pick up with a fork!
So this dressing that is coating the pasta salad… I tried to infuse it with balsamic vinegar to give it a nice tang, but ended up with a brown mess. It was not very attractive to the eye. And since we eat with our eyes first, I decided to scrap that idea and went with a nice white balsamic vinegar. Perfection!
The creamy pasta is a perfect pair with all the fresh veggies and cheese that’s going on here.
Fresh basil lends to a subtle aromatic flavor, while the drizzle of a balsamic vinegar glaze gives it a nice pop of flavor.
All the colors are so pretty!
You’ll want to put this one on the menu for your next get together!
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Avocado Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb. Ditalini pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices, quartered
- 1 marinated Mozzarella Balls, 12oz container, drained
- 2 California Avocados, diced
- 2 tbsp basil leaves, fresh (ribboned)
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
For the dressing:
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk together until smooth. Add more milk to thin dressing if desired.
For the pasta salad:
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water until the pasta has cooled. Place the drained pasta in a large bowl. Add the dressing and stir to combine.
- Add in the tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella balls, avocado and fresh basil. Gently fold to combine.
- Drizzle the top with the balsamic glaze if desired and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with California Avocado Commission. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make I Wash You Dry possible.
This looks fantastic! I am definitely going to make this.
Do you think Greek yogurt could be subbed for the mayonnaise? I have never like mayo… But maybe the flavor would be disguised when mixed in? Thanks.
I was hoping that you would include the recipes for the marinated mozzarella balls and the balsamic glaze instead of turning to processed food.
Homemade is better!!
I understand your frustration Susan. My site is all about quick and easy recipes, and while I do enjoy things like homemade balsamic glaze and freshly marinated mozzarella balls, those recipes might not make this recipe fit into the “quick and easy” category. Maybe one day I’ll do a stand alone recipe for each and then link back to those for anyone who wants to do it all from scratch.
I made this salad tonight with tomatoes, cucumbers and basil from my garden. So yummy! The avacadoes are delicious. ( by the way I know you from masters swimming, I just haven’t been going this summer)
Hey Lisa!! Awesome! I’m so glad you liked the salad! 🙂
OH MY! I am swooning over this recipe girl. I love it. Sharing on FB, Pinning and Yummying!
You’re pictures are absolute perfection! Everything you make looks so delicious and appetizing! You are super super talented! Keep sharing your awesome creations!
This is the kind of pasta salad I want to see at summer BBQs! Can I secretly email this to all our friends as a hint to forego the deli/store-bought crap? 😉 yay, avocados!
Oh, my goodness! I seriously want to dive into that pasta bowl! All those flavors sound amazing together, and I love the white pasta sauce with the drizzles of balsamic glaze! Summer picnic perfection!!!!
Thanks Jocelyn! 🙂
The more avocado the better! I will definitely be making this at my summer cook outs!
Right!? Thanks Gaby! 🙂
I love this recipe. I will try this soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I adore this recipe, Shawn!! I love caprese, pasta, and avocados! This is definitely something that will be appearing on our summer picnic table! Have a delicious week, friend! xoxo
The perfect combo! 🙂 Thanks Rachel!
I DO want to put this on my next party menu! It looks refreshing and delicious. A great summer salad!
Whenever I can get my hands on CA Avocados I scoop them up! There is just no comparison and I hate wasting my money on brown avocados. This salad looks DIVINE!!