Caprese Pasta Salad

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 traditional 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 have enjoyed these delicious flavors for quite some time. I just really wanted to 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 Needed

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 – Fresh basil leaves.

Dressing – A simple mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper. Use bottled balsamic vinaigrette if needed.

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How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

First: Make the dressing by combining the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to mix.

Second: In a large bowl, add pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and red onion. Toss to combine.

Third: 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.

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. After that the pasta can become too mushy.

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!

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!!

How healthy is Caprese Salad?

Full of fresh ingredients in its original form, this salad incorporates pasta. It is still healthy, just be aware of your portions and the amount of cheese you are using.

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 (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

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!

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