If you are looking for a fresh, colorful, and satisfying side dish, this Caprese Pasta Salad is a recipe you will want to make all summer long. It combines tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a simple homemade dressing for a dish that is packed with bright flavors. Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this pasta version is hearty enough for lunch while still making the perfect side dish for cookouts, potlucks, picnics, and family dinners.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious salad that tastes even better after it has had time to chill. Whether you are serving grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or enjoying it on its own, this Caprese Pasta Salad is always a crowd favorite.
For other salad recipes check out Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Raisins, Dense Bean Salad, Mexican Macaroni Salad, or Chimichurri Steak Salad.
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Why This Works
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep since the flavors improve as it chills.
- Great for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella create classic Caprese flavor.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
Ingredients Needed for Mozarella Pasta Salad
- Pasta - Short pasta shapes such as rotini, bow tie, penne, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes - Sweet, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes add fresh flavor and beautiful color. Slice them in half so they mix evenly throughout the salad.
- Fresh mozzarella balls - Mozzarella pearls or ciliegine are soft, creamy, and perfect for bite-sized pieces. If using larger mozzarella balls, simply cut them into smaller chunks.
- Fresh basil - Chopped basil adds the signature fresh flavor that makes this salad taste like a classic Caprese.
- Olive oil - good quality extra virgin olive oil creates a rich, flavorful dressing.
- Balsamic glaze - Adds a slightly sweet and tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Garlic - Fresh minced garlic gives the dressing extra flavor.
- Italian seasoning - Adds a simple blend of herbs that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper - Season to taste and adjust after mixing everything together.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the fresh basil. If your mozzarella balls are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top just before serving or gently toss it into the salad for even distribution.
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing and develop even more flavor.
Pro Tips for Caprese Pasta Salad
Use pasta that is cooked just until al dente so it holds its shape after chilling.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and prevent it from sticking together.
Use fresh basil instead of dried basil for the best flavor and aroma.
Add the balsamic glaze just before serving if you want the salad to look extra fresh.
Taste the salad after it has chilled and adjust the salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salami if you would like to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
As the pasta sits, it may absorb some of the dressing. Before serving leftovers, stir the salad well and add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze if needed to freshen it up.
This recipe is not recommended for freezing since fresh tomatoes and mozzarella do not maintain their texture after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Caprese Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, steak, pork chops, or Italian sandwiches. It is also a wonderful addition to summer cookouts, holiday BBQs, family picnics, and potluck dinners.
Serve it alongside garlic bread, grilled vegetables, or fresh fruit for a complete meal. It also makes a delicious lunch on its own and is easy to pack for work or school.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. This salad is actually better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, making it an excellent make-ahead recipe.
Rotini, fusilli, penne, and bow tie pasta are all great choices because they hold onto the dressing well.
Absolutely. Simply cut a block of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes.
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta (or bow tie, penne, or fusilli)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (mozzarella balls)
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus more for serving if desired)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Drain well.
- While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chop the fresh basil. If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and gently toss once more, or drizzle it over the top just before serving.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with additional basil and another drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
Use pasta that is cooked just until al dente so it holds its shape after chilling.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and prevent it from sticking together.
Use fresh basil instead of dried basil for the best flavor and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
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