Caprese Pasta Salad

Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.

5 from 4 votes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

Caprese pasta salad is a quick and easy summer recipe made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or lunch.

Overhead view of a large bowl of caprese pasta salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Around the bowl are a bottle of balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes on the vine.

There’s something about Caprese flavors that always feels like summer.

Fresh mozzarella balls, sweet tomatoes, and basil—it’s a combo I never get tired of. And when you toss it all with pasta and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette? That’s a pasta salad I’ll gladly make on repeat.

This Caprese Pasta Salad is my go-to for warm-weather lunches, BBQs, and potlucks. It’s fast, simple, and always gets compliments.

Pasta salad with basil, tomatoes and mozzarella, with ingredients in the background.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or bringing a dish to share, this one is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Fast and easy: Ready in under an hour, including chill time.
  • Great for gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a light summer dinner.
  • Classic Caprese flavor: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes shine in every bite.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after it rests.
  • Customizable: Add a protein or change the pasta—lots of options!

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Overhead view of labeled ingredients in bowls for making Caprese pasta salad. Labels include rotini, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, cherry tomatoes, cracked black pepper, sea salt, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
  • Rotini pasta: Its twists hold the dressing well, but any short pasta works (penne, fusilli, farfalle).
  • Mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls or ciliegine are small and bite-sized, perfect for salad. You can also cube a block of fresh mozzarella if needed.
  • Grape tomatoes: Halved for easy eating. Cherry tomatoes work great too.
  • Fresh basil: Slice it into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
  • Balsamic vinaigrette: Homemade with pantry staples—olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and dried herbs.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Collage of four steps for making Caprese pasta salad. The first image shows a bowl of vinaigrette dressing. The second displays pasta, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a bowl. In the third, the dressing is poured in. The fourth shows the finished, mixed salad.

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2: Combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, to let the flavors come together.

Pro Tip:

You can also add to the dressing ingredients to a small mason jar and shake to combine.

Bowl of rotini pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.

Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Freezer: Not recommended—fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t freeze well.

Make-ahead tip: You can make the salad a day ahead. Add basil just before serving for best freshness.

Tips for Success

  • Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water right after cooking to cool it down and stop cooking.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning after tossing—sometimes a little extra salt or drizzle of vinegar makes all the difference.
Close-up of a fork lifting a bite of caprese pasta salad with tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Additions and variations

  • Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chopped salami, or drained chickpeas for a heartier salad.
  • Try different pasta shapes: Penne, farfalle, or even orzo can be swapped in.
  • Use store-bought dressing: A good-quality balsamic vinaigrette works if you’re in a hurry.

More Summer Salad Recipes

Bowl of pasta caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella, photographed from the side.
Recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and tomatoes in a large bowl
Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Caprese Pasta Salad

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is made with fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and basil, tossed in a quick homemade balsamic vinaigrette. A perfect summer side dish ready in under an hour

Ingredients
 

Salad

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or ciliegine
  • 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
  • cup fresh basil sliced thinly

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Cook pasta al dente according to the instructions on package. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
    8 ounces rotini pasta
  • Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.
    ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • Add the pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss to combine.
    8 ounces mozzarella pearls, 2 cups grape tomatoes, ⅓ cup fresh basil
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Rinse pasta after cooking to cool it before mixing to prevent melting the cheese.
Use any short pasta, and swap in cherry tomatoes or cubed mozzarella if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 741IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 1mg
Caprese Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and tomatoes in a large bowl

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!

Note: Recipe updated 6/7/25 with improved recipe, ingredient notes, variations, and new photos.

5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This sounds delicious and dangerous all at the same time. Perfect for summer at the lake.

Similar Posts