Caprese Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil with al dente pasta. Tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. It’s colorful, easy to prepare, and bursting with Italian flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (such as rotini or penne)
cherry tomatoes
fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
fresh basil leaves
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt
black pepper
garlic (optional)

directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic if using.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Swap the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Try a pesto dressing instead of balsamic vinaigrette.

storage/reheating

Store Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.

FAQs

Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making a few hours or even a day ahead to enhance the flavor.

What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle is ideal for holding the dressing and ingredients.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of balls?
Yes, just cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling helps the flavors meld, but you can serve it immediately if preferred.

Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, a quality balsamic vinaigrette works well if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together fresh ingredients and simple flavors in a satisfying way. It’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, making it a must-try addition to your salad repertoire.

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