Best Caprese Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese pasta salad is loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil all tossed with tender pasta and a simple balsamic dressing for the perfect summer side dish. It comes together quickly, can be made ahead, and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to your other favorite pasta salads in the salads and pasta salad collections.

With bright Italian flavors and a few basic ingredients, this Caprese pasta salad is an easy way to turn the classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil combo into a hearty dish that feeds a crowd. Serve it at BBQs, picnics, or potlucks alongside more pasta salad recipes like chicken Caesar pasta salad for a colorful spread that everyone will love.

What is Caprese salad?

Traditional Caprese salad originated in Italy and is made with thick slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, finished with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Many modern versions also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze for extra tangy sweetness.

Those same simple flavors are the inspiration behind this Caprese pasta salad, which stretches the ingredients with pasta to make it more filling. It keeps the refreshing, summery feel of the original salad but turns it into a side dish that can easily become a light main course or sit next to other pasta salad recipes on your summer menu.

Why you’ll love this Caprese pasta salad

• Fresh, simple ingredients that are easy to find year‑round.
• Comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and easy summer dinners, especially when served with other pasta salads from the salads section.
• Make‑ahead friendly so the flavors have time to meld in the fridge.

Ingredients Caprese Pasta Salad

• Short pasta with shape (bowtie, fusilli, or orecchiette) so it holds onto the dressing and mix‑ins.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half for sweet, juicy bursts in every bite without watering down the salad.
• Fresh mozzarella balls or chopped fresh mozzarella for that creamy, mild cheese flavor.
• Fresh basil, thinly sliced, to give the salad its signature herbal aroma and color.
• Extra‑virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to whisk into a quick, tangy vinaigrette.
• Kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or thyme to season the dressing.
• Optional balsamic glaze to drizzle over the top right before serving for a sweet, glossy finish.

How to make Caprese pasta salad

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and let it cool slightly in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried herbs in a small bowl to make the dressing.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to the bowl with the pasta.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Just before serving, add extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Tips for the best flavor and texture

• Salt the pasta water generously so the noodles are seasoned from the inside out.
• Cook to al dente so the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy once dressed.
• Use fresh, high‑quality mozzarella and ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Let the salad rest in the fridge briefly so the vinaigrette can soak into the pasta and cheese.

Easy variations and add‑ins

• Make it gluten‑free by swapping in your favorite gluten‑free pasta.
• Try other short pasta shapes like fusilli or elbow macaroni for a fun twist and extra texture.
• Use a simple vinaigrette or Italian‑style dressing in place of the balsamic version if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add toasted pine nuts or chopped nuts for crunch.
• Stir in cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein and turn it into a more substantial meal, similar to a chicken Caesar–style pasta salad.
• Serve warm by tossing the pasta with the other ingredients while it’s still hot so the mozzarella gets slightly melty.

These small changes let you customize the recipe to match other pasta salads you love while still keeping those signature Caprese flavors.

Make ahead and storage Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese pasta salad is an excellent make‑ahead option because the flavors deepen as it chills. Assemble the salad up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

For the best texture, you can either toss everything together and chill or hold back the tomatoes and a portion of the basil to stir in right before serving. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Serving suggestions

Serve this Caprese pasta salad alongside grilled proteins, sandwiches, or a spread of other cold pasta salads from your pasta salad category for an easy summer meal. It works equally well as a fresh side dish on busy weeknights or as part of a holiday buffet when you want something light and colorful.

Pair it with other Italian‑inspired salads and pasta recipes, including chicken Caesar pasta salad, for a cohesive menu full of familiar flavors. The simple ingredients and bright dressing make it a crowd‑pleaser no matter the occasion.