Go Back
A delicious bowl of Caprese Pasta Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Caprese Pasta Salad

A refreshing and colorful Caprese Pasta Salad with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for summer gatherings or quick dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle) Swap for whole-wheat for a hearty twist.
Vegetables
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Plum tomatoes work if you chop them finely.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Try baby spinach or arugula for a peppery lift.
Cheese
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved Shredded mozzarella is a workable substitute in a pinch.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Good quality oil makes a noticeable difference.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Use aged balsamic for sweetness, or lemon juice for brightness.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Roasted garlic is a mellow, indulgent option.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • a pinch red pepper flakes, optional For warmth.
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted, optional For crunch.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking; the pasta should be warm, not steaming.
Preparing the Ingredients
  1. While the pasta cooks, halve the tomatoes and mozzarella. Tear the basil into pieces.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the warm pasta to the dressing and toss gently. Fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. If using toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes, add them now.
Final Touches
  1. Taste and correct seasoning if necessary. Let the salad sit for 10–30 minutes for flavors to mingle or chill for a few hours.
  2. Before serving, give it a gentle toss and finish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze, if desired.

Notes

For a healthier option, reduce the mozzarella and add more veggies. If making ahead, add delicate basil just before serving to keep its vibrant color and flavor.