Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining the fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with the heartiness of pasta. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light and satisfying side for any meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

To begin, cook your favorite pasta—penne, fusilli, or farfalle work especially well for this salad. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This step helps the pasta maintain its firm texture, preventing it from getting mushy when combined with the other ingredients.

While the pasta is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Cut fresh cherry or grape tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. The tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness and color to the salad. Then, slice fresh mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes or use mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for added convenience. The creamy mozzarella provides a rich contrast to the tangy tomatoes.

Next, chiffonade some fresh basil leaves by stacking them, rolling them up, and slicing them into thin ribbons. Basil adds an aromatic, peppery kick that brings the flavors of the salad together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The combination of these ingredients creates a balance of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a beautiful mix of textures.

For the dressing, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of honey or Dijon mustard for a touch of sweetness and tang. The balsamic vinegar enhances the freshness of the tomatoes, while the olive oil adds richness. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.

If you’d like to add more depth to the salad, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch. A few extra basil leaves for garnish will add a pop of color, and a final drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the dish even further.

Caprese pasta salad is best served chilled, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. It’s a perfect dish for summer barbecues, parties, or as a light lunch or dinner. The fresh, vibrant ingredients make every bite a burst of flavor, while the pasta gives it a satisfying base that makes it a complete meal.

Caprese Pasta Salad

3.67 from 71 votes

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Combining the fresh flavors of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with pasta makes it both hearty and satisfying.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 200 grams pasta use your preferred type, like penne or rotini
• 250 grams cherry tomatoes halved
• 200 grams fresh mozzarella cubed
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until well coated.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Calories: 450kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Caprese Salad, pasta, summer recipes

Cooking Method: Boiled

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and simple dish combining baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta, delivering a delightful and easy-to-make meal.

Check out this recipe

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a classic Italian dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta.

Check out this recipe

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

This One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines spaghetti and fresh kale in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.

Check out this recipe

Vegetarian Linguine

A delightful vegetarian linguine dish that is both fresh and nutritious, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Check out this recipe

Tagliatelle with Grilled Octopus and Cherry Tomatoes

A delicious pasta dish with grilled octopus and cherry tomatoes.

Check out this recipe

Penne alla Vodka

A delicious pasta dish made with penne pasta and a creamy vodka sauce.

Check out this recipe

Easy Pasta Primavera

A delicious and colorful pasta dish loaded with fresh spring vegetables.

Check out this recipe

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with just a few simple ingredients: garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Check out this recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara with Butternut Squash

A rich and creamy pasta dish combining classic carbonara flavors with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash.

Check out this recipe

Spaghetti Puttanesca

Spaghetti Puttanesca is a classic Italian pasta dish packed with robust flavors from capers, olives, and anchovies, which meld together in a rich tomato sauce.

Check out this recipe