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This Caprese pasta salad is a fresh, easy summer pasta salad loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. Tossed with olive oil and balsamic or a simple Italian dressing, it’s a light yet flavorful dish that comes together in minutes.
Since we have been hitting summer like temps in Arizona over the past few weeks, I have already started to make my summer salads…since turning on the oven isn’t at the top of my list. We love caprese salad in our home and I thought it would be so perfect to turn into a pasta salad. My kids and husband love when I make my macaroni salad or easy pasta salad and just keep it in the refrigerator for them to grab as a quick lunch or snack.
If you are looking for something super fresh, easy, and honestly kind of addictive, you have to try this caprese pasta salad. It is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but is actually so simple to throw together. Think of it as your favorite Caprese salad…but turned into a beautiful pasta dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or bringing to literally any gathering.
This pasta salad is full of all the good stuff…sweet, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and lots of fresh basil, all tossed with tender pasta and a light, flavorful dressing. It is bright and fresh, with a little tang from balsamic and that classic Italian flavor combo that just works every time. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like summer and somehow gets even better after it sits for a bit.
I love this easy caprese pasta salad because it’s so versatile. You can serve it as a quick weeknight meal, a fresh summer pasta salad for BBQs, or an easy side dish for just about anything. If you are into quick pasta recipes, fresh ingredients, and big flavor with minimal effort, this one’s definitely worth making.
Why you will love this Pasta Salad:
When the temperatures start to heat up, we want easy recipes that you can put in the refrigerator and munch on all week long.
It is fresh and flavorful! Classic Caprese ingredients bring bright, spring and summer flavors.
It’s quick and easy to make! Very minimal prep and ready in under 20 minutes.
It is perfect for any occasion — Great for meal prep, potlucks, BBQs, or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
Made with simple ingredients this summer Caprese pasta salad comes together easily!
- Pasta: The base of the salad, so use your favorite shape.
- Grape tomatoes (halved lengthwise): Sweet, juicy, and perfectly bite-sized.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild, they balance the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic. You can also cut fresh mozzarella cheese into bite sized pieces. I found the marinated mozzarella balls at Sam’s Club, but I have seen them at Trader Joe’s and grocery stores as well.
- Fresh basil: Adds that signature Caprese flavor. I buy my fresh basil plant at Trader Joe’s.
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Brings richness and ties all the flavors together.
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze: Adds tangy sweetness and depth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle herby, Italian-inspired note.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional heat for a little kick.
- Balsamic glaze: The glaze gives a thicker, slightly sweet finish. I buy my balsamic glaze at Trader Joe’s.
- OPTIONAL – Olive Garden Italian dressing: A quick shortcut if you don’t want to make a dressing from scratch. It pairs perfectly with a balsamic drizzle!
This Italian pasta salad recipe is very versatile because you can use any type of fresh mozzarella. I like to use the marinated mozzarella balls for extra flavor.
How to make the Best Caprese Pasta Salad:
I love how easy it is to make this caprese pasta salad! It only takes about 15 minutes to assemble.
- COOK PASTA. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to salt your water! Drain and let it cool completely.
- CUT TOMATOES. Slice the grape tomatoes lengthwise and set aside. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt.
- ADD TO PASTA. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella balls.
- MAKE DRESSING. Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (or toss with Italian dressing if using).
- COMBINE. Toss everything together until well combined.
- TOP. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top before serving. You can also add more fresh basil to the top if you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make Caprese pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better after chilling. Just add fresh basil and balsamic glaze right before serving.
Can I make this with premade Italian dressing instead?
Yes! Toss with Olive Garden Italian dressing and finish with a balsamic glaze drizzle for extra flavor.
Is this served cold or warm?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like bowtie, rotini, or penne works best because it holds the dressing well.
Pasta Salad Recipes:
What are some other Caprese recipes?
Caprese Dip with Boursin Cheese
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Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Pasta (of choice)
- 3/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt (add more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (cut into ribbons)
- 16 ounces Grape Tomatoes (cut into half, lengthwise)
- 16 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Balls
- Balsamic Glaze (to drizzle all over the top)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water on high and bring to a boil. Generously salt the water. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- Slice the grape tomatoes lengthwise and set aside. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt.
- Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (or toss with Italian dressing if using). Toss the dressing with the pasta.
- Add tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top before serving. You can also add more fresh basil to the top if you desire.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
