Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
If you ever need a dish that looks fancy but requires exactly zero emotional energy, this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad comes in clutch every single time. It’s fresh, bright, and downright lovely, packed with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a simple dressing that makes people think you tried harder than you did. It works for potlucks, cookouts, Tuesdays, and every moment when you need something delicious without turning on the oven. Basically, it’s the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests – and you won’t mind making it.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of freshness and flavor. The main ingredients are tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and pasta, all brought together with a simple balsamic dressing. Each bite is bursting with freshness from the juicy tomatoes, sweetness from the balsamic glaze, and saltiness from the cheese. Plus, it’s so easy to make – all you have to do is boil the pasta, mix the ingredients, and toss it with the dressing.
This dish can also be served warm or cold. If you want to make it ahead of time, simply prepare the salad and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad (also called insalata caprese) is a traditional Italian dish made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s usually served as an appetizer or side dish and sometimes includes other ingredients like olives or peppers. The flavors work together to create one of Italy’s most popular salads!
This recipe is a fun twist on the traditional caprese salad, incorporating cooked pasta. The result is a delicious side dish or light meal perfect for the summertime! Let’s look at how to make this simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mini farfalle pasta
- 12 ounces multicolored cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (about 10 large leaves)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
Once you have all the ingredients, it’s time to put them together and create this mouthwatering salad.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Put a large pot of salted water on the stovetop to boil. When the water reaches a boil, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions. When the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato mixture. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Finely chop the basil. Mince the garlic. Add the tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a small mixing bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside, and allow the flavors to meld for 5-10 minutes.
- When the pasta is cool, add the balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, and mix to combine.
- Add the tomato mixture and mozzarella pearls to the dressed pasta, and stir together well. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Storage
Store leftover caprese pasta salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
If you’re building out a fresh and colorful spread, you’ll want to check out a few more easy sides that always earn compliments. My Pea Salad brings creamy, crunchy goodness to the table, Pineapple Coleslaw adds a sweet tropical twist that pairs with almost anything, and Simple Fruit Salad keeps things light, bright, and refreshing. Mix and match these easy favorites to round out any meal.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta. Put a large pot of salted water on the stovetop to boil. When the water reaches a boil, add the pasta. Cook according to package directions. When the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the bruschetta. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, depending on their size. Finely chop the basil. Mince the garlic. Add the tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil to a small mixing bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside, and allow the flavors to meld for 5-10 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooled, add the balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, and mix to combine.
- Add the bruschetta and mozzarella pearls to the dressed pasta, and stir together well. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Notes and Tips
- Feel free to substitute Roma or cherry tomatoes for the grape tomatoes in this recipe. Just be sure to scoop out the seeds in larger tomatoes before dicing so the dish doesn’t become too watery.
- Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta in this recipe. I recommend a small or short pasta like fusilli or elbow macaroni.
Variations on the Recipe
Feel free to get creative with this classic summer dish. Here are a few variations on the recipe that are sure to impress your guests:
1. Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad: Replace the balsamic dressing with a homemade pesto sauce for a fresh twist on the traditional recipe. Toss in some pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
2. Caprese Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and add smoky flavor to your pasta salad by grilling vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Add them to the salad along with the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for a colorful and tasty dish.
3. Greek Caprese Pasta Salad: Replace the basil with fresh oregano and add some Kalamata olives and feta cheese to give this salad a Mediterranean flair. Drizzle with a lemon and olive oil dressing to tie it all together.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad with Shrimp: Add protein to your salad to make a complete meal by tossing in cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with some red pepper flakes and lemon juice for a little kick.
5. Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers: For a fun and portable twist on the salad, thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and pasta onto skewers. Drizzle with the balsamic dressing and serve as an appetizer.
With these variations on the traditional Caprese pasta salad, keep your potluck guests guessing and satisfied all summer long.
Last Bite
Ready to make something fresh and ridiculously simple? Whip up this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad and watch it disappear fast. And when you try it, I want to hear every detail — Leave a comment below… and tell me how it turned out or what spin you put on it.
Took this to a family gathering and it didn’t last long. Tastes as good as it looks!
So glad to hear that it was approved by your family! (Thanks for coming back to tell us. We really appreciate it.)