This Caprese Pasta Salad is one of those easy recipes that looks beautiful, tastes fresh, and comes together in no time. It takes everything you love about a classic caprese salad and turns it into a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for summer, potlucks, or an easy weeknight side.

Caprese Pasta Salad

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What makes this caprese pasta salad so good is the combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a light dressing. It is fresh, flavorful, and versatile enough to serve as a side dish or even a light main course. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or just need something easy to throw together, this recipe always delivers.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

Fresh, bright flavors that everyone loves

Quick and easy to make

Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and summer gatherings

Can be made ahead of time

Simple ingredients with big flavor

Works as a side dish or light meal

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (rotini or bowtie work well)

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, then transfer to a large bowl.

Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil to the cooled pasta.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Stir gently before serving and add extra basil if desired.

Tips & Tricks

Cook your pasta just to al dente so it holds up well and does not get mushy once mixed with the dressing.
Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking together.
Use fresh mozzarella balls or pearls for the best texture and flavor.
Add the basil right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
If making ahead, you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving since the pasta can absorb some of it as it sits.
You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even avocado for a twist.

FAQs

Yes, this is a great make ahead recipe. Just store it in the refrigerator and add fresh basil and a little extra dressing before serving.

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works best because it holds the dressing well.

It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Yes, while fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can use cubed mozzarella or even feta for a different flavor.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

12 ounces pasta (rotini or bowtie work well)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely, then transfer to a large bowl.
Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil to the cooled pasta.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Stir gently before serving and add extra basil if desired.

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Caprese Pasta Salad