Caprese Pasta Salad is an easy and delicious summer salad full of fresh ingredients! Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tender pasta together for the perfect side dish to any potluck or BBQ.

This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, is a great way to stretch ingredients, is full of flavors and textures, and will be a hit at your next get together.

What is Caprese?

The term “Caprese” means salad of Capri which would lead you to think that the origins of this salad are there. But no one knows for sure.

Why is it called Caprese Salad?

A Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese, is a traditional appetizer made from juicy tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and simply dressed with olive oil and black pepper or a balsamic glaze.

I always enjoy this combination flavors so I thought why not combine it with my favorite food…PASTA!

Just like I did with my dill pickle pasta salad. I used bowtie pasta in this Amish pasta salad. It makes a great cold dinner idea too!

ingredients for a simple recipe that include a pint cherry tomatoes, favorite pasta shape, and pine nuts

See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Pasta – I like rotini pasta noodles for this recipe but use your favorite short pasta shape. You can even make it a gluten-free pasta salad with your favorite GF noodles.
Cheese – Fresh mozzarella cheese (also called bocconcini, or mozzarella pearls).
Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes work best.
Herbs – Use fresh basil leaves. It’s not the same with dried or a different herb.

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How To Make Caprese Pasta Salad

bowl of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and red onion

Make the dressing by combining the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to mix. In a large bowl, add pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and red onion. Toss to combine.

Drizzle with the dressing, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper if desired. If serving immediately, garnish with fresh basil. If not, store until ready to enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

this caprese pasta salad is a great side dish

How long does it last?

If there are any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Too long after this and the pasta gets too soft in my opinion.

Can it be made ahead of time?

You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time. The longer the ingredients sit together, the more flavor they soak up!

pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella

More Caprese Dishes

If you like the combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, check out some of my other favorite Caprese recipes. These Italian empanadas, this tomato mozzarella salad, these antipasto skewers, and this easy bruschetta recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve it as a main dish or as a side along with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a burger!!

summer pasta salad with fresh ingredients

Tips For No Leftovers

Don’t over cook the pasta. You want it to have a nice bite to it.
If making this ahead of time, reserve some of the dressing when you originally make it, and add some fresh dressing right before serving.
Try different shapes of pasta to mix it up.
Make sure all the ingredients are in bite size pieces.
Refrigerate for the best flavor, but you can serve it at room temperature. Just don’t let it sit at room temp for more than 1 hour.
Make sure to use FRESH mozzarella and not the pre-shredded, or block version. They are very different!
Add in baked or grilled chicken to make it a meal!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

Pinterest pin image for Caprese pasta salad

You might have tried the traditional tomato basil mozzarella salad, but the addition of pasta raises it to the level of side dish, or even main event!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is an easy and delicious summer salad full of fresh ingredients!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

1 pound rotini pasta cooked, drained
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
12 ounces mozzarella balls
1/2 cup thin sliced red onion
2 ounces fresh basil thinly sliced

Balsamic Dressing

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic minced

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Stir until fully combined.
In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and red onion.
Pour dressing over salad ingredients.
Toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with basil leaves. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Don't over cook the pasta. You want it to have a nice bite to it.

If making this ahead of time, reserve some of the dressing when you originally make it, and add some fresh dressing right before serving.

Try different shapes of pasta to mix it up.

Make sure all the ingredients are in bite sized pieces for easier serving and eating.

Refrigerated is best, but this can be served at room temperature. Just don't let it sit at room temp for more than 1 hour.

Make sure to use FRESH mozzarella and not the pre-shredded, or block version. They are very different!

Add in baked or grilled chicken to make it a meal!

Nutrition

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