If summer had a flavor, it would taste like this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad. Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender pasta all come together in one bowl for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Tossed with a simple olive oil dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to gather outside, pour a glass of something cold, and share a meal with friends.
This dish is light yet satisfying, making it the perfect side for backyard barbecues, picnics, or even as a quick weeknight dinner when it’s too hot to cook. With just a few simple ingredients, it captures the essence of Italian summer flavors in a way that feels fresh, wholesome, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fresh and colorful with classic Italian flavors
- Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps
- Make-ahead friendly (flavors get better as it chills)
- Crowd-pleasing and perfect for gatherings
- Easy to customize with your favorite pasta shapes
- Light yet filling—pairs with almost any main dish
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 lb small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 16 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls, halved)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse lightly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside. - Prep the cheese & tomatoes
While pasta cooks, halve the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl. - Combine ingredients
Add the cooled pasta and sliced basil to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. - Make the dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended. - Dress and serve
Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Chill (optional)
Let the salad sit for 30 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta for a lighter version.
- Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a main dish.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle – Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra richness.
- Mediterranean Twist – Add olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Always cook pasta just until al dente—mushy pasta won’t hold up.
- Add basil just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the salad if it seems dry.
- Letting the salad chill for 30 minutes enhances the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 14g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s actually better when chilled for a few hours. Just add basil right before serving.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
A: Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bow ties works well because it catches the dressing and basil.
Q: Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white?
A: Absolutely, though it will darken the salad’s appearance. Red wine vinegar is also a good substitute.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container, but for the freshest flavor, enjoy within 1–2 days.
Conclusion / Final Thoughts
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is everything summer should be—bright, fresh, and so simple to put together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, heading to a potluck, or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this salad brings a little taste of Italy right to your table. Make it once, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes for warm-weather gatherings.
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Easy Caprese Pasta Salad – Fresh, Quick & Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing mix of pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil tossed in olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small pasta (fusilli, penne, or shells)
- 16 oz mozzarella balls, halved
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse lightly, and cool.
- Halve mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Add to large bowl.
- Toss in cooled pasta and sliced basil.
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad and mix well.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Add basil right before serving. Reserve pasta water to refresh salad if needed. Make ahead for parties or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caprese pasta salad, summer pasta salad, picnic salad, Italian pasta salad, fresh mozzarella salad