Introduction

Caprese Pasta Salad takes the classic Italian Caprese salad—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—and gives it a hearty twist with pasta. It’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that celebrates the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Unlike heavy, mayo-based pasta salads, this version uses a light olive oil and balsamic dressing that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. It’s ideal for warm-weather meals, potlucks, picnics, or even as a quick weekday lunch.

The combination of juicy tomatoes, chewy pasta, fragrant basil, and soft mozzarella pearls makes every bite taste like summer. It’s colorful, nourishing, and absolutely delicious—proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most memorable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s light yet satisfying, refreshing yet filling. It can be made ahead of time, travels well, and always looks beautiful on the table. I especially love how customizable it is—you can add grilled chicken for protein, toss in arugula for peppery freshness, or even switch up the pasta shape.

It’s the perfect balance between comfort food and elegance, and it never fails to impress guests. Best of all, it’s a celebration of fresh seasonal ingredients—when tomatoes and basil are at their peak, this salad is unbeatable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Brings together the iconic Caprese trio in a heartier form.
• Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
• Great for meal prep, parties, or picnics.
• Customizable with endless add-ins.
• A colorful, fresh, and wholesome dish.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~340 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Salad / Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best)
• 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), halved if large
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze for sweeter notes)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the dressing:
   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Assemble the salad:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
   • Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
4. Optional crunch:
   • Toast pine nuts lightly in a skillet over medium heat and sprinkle them over the salad before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Great as a side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or barbecue.
• Can be served as a light vegetarian main course with crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm (al dente) works best.
• For best flavor, let the salad sit for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Use high-quality olive oil and ripe tomatoes for the most authentic Caprese taste.

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto.
• Leafy Twist: Toss in arugula or baby spinach for extra greens.
• Nut-Free: Skip pine nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
• Caprese Skewer Style: Use tortellini instead of plain pasta for a cheesy upgrade.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t freeze well.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep pasta fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or jar (for dressing)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a few hours in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?
Absolutely—just cut it into bite-sized cubes.

Q: What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle holds the dressing well and mixes easily with the other ingredients.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil is a vibrant, flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine: fresh, simple, and delicious. With tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a salad that can brighten up any table.

Perfect for family dinners, summer picnics, or meal prepping, this recipe proves that with a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create something truly memorable.