Caprese Pasta Salad
Fresh, colorful, and packed with classic caprese flavors, this Caprese Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that disappears quickly at every gathering. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a simple homemade balsamic dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you’re planning family dinners, heading to summer potlucks, or looking for a great side dish for the grill, this easy caprese pasta salad recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Caprese Pasta Salad is best stored in a refrigerator safe, airtight container for 3-5 days. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as it has fresh cheese, tomatoes and basil and the flavor and consistency will be compromised.
Rotini pasta is a favorite because the twists hold the dressing well. Fusilli pasta, penne pasta, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta are also excellent choices.
Yes. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even tofu make a great addition and can turn this perfect side dish into a complete meal.
Email Me This Recipe!
Need to save time? Have this article emailed straight to your inbox + sign up for all the latest recipes!
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: Creamy mozzarella adds the signature flavor found in a traditional caprese salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes bring freshness and color to every bite.
- Fresh Basil: Adds bright flavor and pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of the balsamic dressing while adding richness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Provides tangy flavor that balances the creamy fresh mozzarella.
- Garlic: Adds depth and savory flavor to the dressing.
- Salt: Enhances all of the fresh ingredients.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Rotini Pasta: The twists hold onto the salad dressing, making every bite flavorful.
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Take the mozzarella pearls out of their package and set off to the side. On a cutting board cut the cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. Gather the basil leaves and cut into thin ribbons and set aside with the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Reserve a pinch of the pepper for the top. Stir until well incorporated and set aside.
- Place cooked and cooled pasta in a large serving dish.
- Top with the mozzarella, tomatoes and half of the basil ribbons.
- Drizzle the mixed sauce over the pasta and toppings and mix gently with a large spoon or spatula.
- Top with remaining basil and pinch of pepper. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, loosely covered, to enhance flavors.
- Serve chilled.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Email this recipe!
Get this recipe emailed straight to your inbox!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups small fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup basil leaves divided
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 16 ounce box rotini pasta cooked and cooled
Instructions
- Take the mozzarella pearls out of their package and set off to the side. On a cutting board cut the cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise. Gather the basil leaves and cut into thin ribbons and set aside with the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Reserve a pinch of the pepper for the top. Stir until well incorporated and set aside.
- Place cooked and cooled pasta in a large serving dish.
- Top with the mozzarella, tomatoes and half of the basil ribbons.
- Drizzle the mixed sauce over the pasta and toppings and mix gently with a large spoon or spatula.
- Top with remaining basil and pinch of pepper. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 1 hour, loosely covered, to enhance flavors.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me below!
