Name: Delicious Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle); 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or glaze; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)

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This Delicious Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pasta, all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. I like to serve it as a light lunch, picnic dish, or a colorful side for summer dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta salad because it brings the flavors of a Caprese salad into a heartier, more satisfying form. It’s super easy to make, and the ingredients are simple yet full of flavor. It’s great warm, cold, or at room temperature, and it travels really well—perfect for potlucks or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (I like using rotini, penne, or farfalle)
Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or glaze
Salt and black pepper
Garlic (optional, finely minced)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
I start by boiling the pasta in salted water until al dente. Then I drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
Prep the Ingredients:
While the pasta cools, I halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and I gently tear or chiffonade the basil leaves.
Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, I toss the pasta with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. I drizzle in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste. I sometimes add a bit of minced garlic for extra flavor.
Chill or Serve:
I serve it right away or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 25 minutes from start to finish—15 minutes to cook and prep, and another 10 minutes to toss and serve (or chill). It’s a fast and easy dish I can make on a whim.

Variations

Add grilled chicken: For a protein boost, I sometimes mix in sliced grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken.
Use pesto: Instead of balsamic and olive oil, I toss the salad with basil pesto for a creamy, herby flavor.
Try different cheeses: I occasionally use crumbled feta or shaved parmesan if I don’t have mozzarella.
Add veggies: Roasted zucchini, olives, or arugula make great additions for more variety.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The basil can wilt a bit over time, so I like to add a few fresh leaves before serving again. I serve it cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit as the flavors have time to blend.

What kind of pasta works best?

I like using short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle—they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat in a salad.

Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?

Absolutely. I drizzle balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for extra richness and sweetness.

How do I keep the mozzarella fresh in the salad?

I use fresh mozzarella balls and keep them stored in the liquid until I’m ready to use them. If making ahead, I sometimes add the cheese closer to serving time.

Is this salad good for picnics or potlucks?

Definitely. It holds up really well without wilting and tastes great even after a few hours out, especially if I use a vinaigrette-style dressing.

Conclusion

This Delicious Caprese Pasta Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, fresh, and flavorful. Whether I’m packing it for lunch or serving it at a summer gathering, it never disappoints. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed with pasta and tangy balsamic is just too good to resist.