If you’re searching for a dish that captures the very essence of summer in every bite, look no further than Caprese Pasta Salad. This vibrant salad beautifully marries tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, draped in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, bold flavors and comforting textures—a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner at home. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Caprese Pasta Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for its ability to shine and complement the others. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute; every component brings something special to the bowl, from color and crunch to creamy richness.
- Pasta (12 oz, such as rotini, penne, or bowtie): Choose a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to catch all that delicious dressing and cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Their sweetness and pop of color are essential for that classic Caprese flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 oz, bocconcini or ciliegine, halved): Creamy and mild, these pearls of cheese make every bite dreamy.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/2 cup, torn or chopped): Don’t skimp—basil brings the irresistible aroma and peppery brightness that makes this salad sing.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Use your best extra-virgin oil for a rich, fruity base in the dressing.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Glaze (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy-sweet depth that ties everything together marvelously.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): A tiny amount packs a punch, giving the dressing body and a subtle kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out each fresh flavor.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook it until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. This is important because overcooked pasta will become mushy once dressed. Once the pasta is done, drain it and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and tear or chop your basil leaves. Prepping these ingredients ahead ensures that every forkful gets a perfect mix of color, flavor, and texture. The bite-sized pieces also make the salad easy to eat and share.
Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or glaze), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing, so it clings beautifully to the pasta and veggies, rather than pooling at the bottom of your bowl.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add in the halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle the dressing over everything, then toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix—just enough to bring everything together while keeping the cheese and tomatoes intact.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let your Caprese Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This little rest gives the flavors a chance to meld and the salad to cool to the perfect temperature. Just before serving, give it a gentle toss and taste for seasoning—you might want an extra sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that final flourish.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad

Garnishes
A finishing touch goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few extra basil leaves, or a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. These simple garnishes add bursts of flavor and make your Caprese Pasta Salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with almost anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a hearty meal, or keep things light with a crusty loaf of Italian bread and a crisp green salad. It’s also a natural partner for summer picnic fare and backyard barbecue spreads!
Creative Ways to Present
Caprese Pasta Salad can shine in so many settings. Serve it in individual glass jars for a fun picnic treat, or pile it onto a big platter and arrange extra tomatoes and basil around the edges for a show-stopping centerpiece. You can even skewer pasta, mozzarella, and tomato on toothpicks for playful party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. If it looks a bit dry after sitting, simply toss with a splash of olive oil before serving.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella don’t hold up well to thawing. The texture can become watery or rubbery, so it’s best to make just enough to enjoy within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’d like to bring it back to room temperature after refrigerating, just let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! Any short pasta with plenty of surface area, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even shells, will work. The key is to pick a shape that holds up well and catches the dressing and cheese in every bite.
Is it possible to make Caprese Pasta Salad vegan?
Yes, just swap the fresh mozzarella for your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. There are some delicious vegan mozzarella options available that melt and taste great in this recipe.
How can I make this into a complete meal?
To transform Caprese Pasta Salad into a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even avocado for extra protein and richness. It’s wonderfully flexible, so feel free to add whatever you love!
Can I prepare Caprese Pasta Salad the night before?
Definitely! In fact, letting the salad chill overnight allows the flavors to mingle even more. Just wait to add the fresh basil until right before serving to keep it bright and fragrant.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water after draining helps stop the cooking and prevents sticking. Tossing it with a teaspoon of olive oil before adding the other ingredients also helps keep everything loose and lovely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caprese Pasta Salad enough—it’s bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it a staple for any occasion. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings!
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Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a light olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect for a refreshing summer meal or a colorful side dish, this Italian-inspired salad is easy to prepare, vegetarian, and full of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and torn or chopped fresh basil leaves. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified and smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the delicate mozzarella pieces.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Optionally, drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Add grilled chicken or sliced avocado to make this salad a more complete and protein-rich meal.
- This salad holds up well and can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it great for entertaining or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg