If you’re looking for a pasta salad that could steal the show at any summer gathering, look no further than Caprese Pasta Salad! Bursting with sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and garden-fresh basil, all tied together with a balsamic vinaigrette, this recipe is basically sunshine in a bowl. Whether you need an easy weeknight side or want to impress guests at a picnic, Caprese Pasta Salad brings everyone to the table with its irresistible Italian-inspired flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Freshness: Every bite bursts with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella, just like your favorite classic Caprese salad but heartier.
- Super Quick & Easy: Toss everything together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute get-togethers or busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile: The flavors are universally loved, and it fits right into potlucks, picnics, or as a light lunch.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, Caprese Pasta Salad keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for Caprese Pasta Salad are a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that each brings something essential to this colorful dish. Every ingredient is there for a reason—from the pasta that forms the hearty base to the zingy dressing that brings everything together.
- Pasta (8 oz, uncooked): Choose a small to medium shape like radiatore, rotini, or penne for perfect dressing coverage and ideal bite.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (13 oz, halved): These sweet, juicy gems give pops of color and the perfect burst of summer flavor in every forkful.
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls (7 oz, drained): Soft and mild, mozzarella pearls are the creamy heart of this salad; if you can’t find pearls, dice a ball of fresh mozzarella into small cubes for the same effect.
- Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, sliced): Nothing beats the aroma and flavor of sliced basil—it delivers that authentic Caprese magic.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch of each enhances and balances all the bright and creamy elements.
- Light Balsamic Vinaigrette (1/2 cup): A tangy-sweet balsamic vinaigrette (like Marzetti Simply 60) ties everything together with its irresistible zing—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Caprese Pasta Salad is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to have fun and adapt this recipe to suit what you have on hand, your dietary needs, or your mood—these tweaks are just the beginning!
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap in whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta for an extra nutrition boost or to make it gluten-friendly.
- Roasted Veggies: Add grilled zucchini, eggplant, or roasted bell peppers for even more Mediterranean flair and a boost of veggies.
- Pesto Twist: Replace half the vinaigrette with basil pesto for a richer, herb-infused flavor explosion.
- Protein Power: Stir in cooked chicken, cannellini beans, or chickpeas to turn this side dish into a satisfying main meal.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package directions, making sure it stays nicely al dente—remember, a little bite adds the best texture! Once it’s finished cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water until completely cool. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy, plus it helps the salad taste fresh and crisp.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large serving bowl. Add your halved cherry or grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls (or cubes), and that fragrant pile of sliced fresh basil. Just looking at these colors together will make you smile—it’s the promise of good things to come!
Step 3: Dress and Season
Sprinkle salt and black pepper right over the top, then pour in your balsamic vinaigrette. Grab a big spoon and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and those lovely bright flavors begin to mingle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes an extra pinch of salt or basil is just the thing.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
If you want to serve your Caprese Pasta Salad chilled, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise, enjoy it right away at room temperature. If you’re making this ahead for tomorrow, wait to add the dressing until just before serving so the pasta stays nice and moist!
Pro Tips for Making Caprese Pasta Salad
- Pasta Shape Matters: Use a shape with lots of nooks and crannies (like radiatore or rotini) to capture every bit of bold vinaigrette and juicy tomato.
- Mozzarella Magic: Always opt for the best-quality fresh mozzarella you can find; if using large balls, pat dry before cubing to avoid watering down your salad.
- Dressing Timing: For make-ahead magic, keep the salad and dressing separate until just before serving—this keeps your pasta delightfully moist, not soggy!
- Herb Explosion: Slice basil just before tossing into the salad for the brightest flavor and to prevent browning.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, try garnishing your Caprese Pasta Salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil or a handful of whole basil leaves. A drizzle of syrupy balsamic glaze zigzagged over the top not only looks gorgeous but adds an extra punch of sweet tang—perfect for a party platter.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with almost anything, but it’s especially perfect next to grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a light summer meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread, focaccia, or a simple green salad if you want to keep things breezy and Italian-inspired.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mason jars make adorable single servings for picnics, or pile your Caprese Pasta Salad high on a platter lined with baby arugula for a pop of green. Hosting a party? Build a Caprese-inspired pasta salad bar, letting guests add extras like olives, grilled chicken, or toasted pine nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld more over time, making for even tastier lunches or next-day sides!
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing since the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella can lose their texture after thawing. For the best results, enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, gently bring it to room temp. There’s no need to heat it on the stove—the cheese and tomatoes are meant to be fresh and cool!
FAQs
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Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad in advance?
Absolutely! For best results, prepare the pasta and chop your veggies ahead, but wait to toss in the dressing and basil until just before serving. This keeps the pasta perfectly moist and the basil bright and fresh.
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What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes with plenty of grooves like radiatore, rotini, penne, or fusilli work best for Caprese Pasta Salad—they hold on to the flavorful dressing and keep every bite delicious.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella is classic, but you can swap in bocconcini, feta, or even a vegan mozzarella-style cheese if you’d like. Just make sure to choose a mild, creamy cheese that complements the tomatoes and basil.
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How long can Caprese Pasta Salad sit out at a picnic or party?
Caprese Pasta Salad is best enjoyed within 2 hours of sitting out at room temperature, especially because of the fresh mozzarella. If left out longer, keep it chilled on ice for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
I hope this easy, vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad brightens up your table and becomes a new favorite in your summer recipe rotation! It’s endlessly versatile and packed with all the Italian-inspired flavors we crave. Give it a try and let the sunshine (and compliments) pour in!
Print
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 (1 cup) servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad that combines tender pasta with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy Mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish at any gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz uncooked small-medium shape pasta (e.g., radiatore)
Salad:
- 13 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 7 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese pearls, drained (or cubed fresh Mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup light balsamic vinaigrette dressing (e.g., Marzetti Simply 60 Balsamic Vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water until cooled.
- Combine Ingredients: In a serving bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, Mozzarella, basil. Add salt, pepper, and balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate if not serving immediately. Consider adding dressing just before serving if preparing ahead.
Notes
- WW Points per serving: 7
- Store leftovers in the fridge; lasts up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 183mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
