Caprese Pasta Salad is one of my go-to recipes for quick, fresh meals. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for any gathering. The combination of pasta with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella makes my taste buds dance.

What You’ll Need

2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Bringing It All Together

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)

Feel free to swap out the pasta for a whole grain or gluten-free option. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or seeds. Experiment with your favorite herbs or add avocado for extra creaminess.

How We Love to Serve It

We love serving this Caprese Pasta Salad at picnics or family gatherings. It complements grilled meats perfectly and makes a great side dish. For a light lunch, I enjoy it by itself with a glass of iced tea.

A Few Tips For Success

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; you want it firm enough to hold up in the salad. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor, so try to use ripe tomatoes and good quality mozzarella. The salad tastes even better after resting, so don’t rush to serve it right away.

Saving Some For Later

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within a couple of days. If it seems dry after sitting, you can drizzle a bit more olive oil or balsamic vinegar before enjoying it again.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you enjoy this Caprese Pasta Salad as much as my family and I do. It’s simple, delicious, and always receives praise from friends and family. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to share your own twist!

Your Questions, Answered

What is Caprese Pasta Salad?

Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It’s a fun twist on the classic Caprese salad.

Can I add protein to Caprese Pasta Salad?

Yes, you can definitely add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions. This will turn the salad into a more filling meal, while still keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

How long can I store Caprese Pasta Salad?

You can store it in the fridge for about two to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. The salad may dry out slightly, so feel free to add a little olive oil or balsamic vinegar when you serve it again.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Author: sarah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A colorful and tasty dish combining pasta with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use fresh and ripe ingredients for the best flavor. The salad tastes even better after resting, so allow it to sit before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: pasta salad, Caprese, vegetarian, quick meals, fresh ingredients