Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ((from about 1 large lemon)); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 pound dried pasta ((farfalle or any small pasta shape)); 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella, cubed; 2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; Salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Ready to shake up your pasta salad routine? Meet Caprese Pasta Salad, the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings all the bright, juicy flavors of a classic Italian Caprese to your table in a fun, family-friendly way. Imagine tender pasta mingling with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil—all tossed in a zingy balsamic-lemon dressing you’ll crave again and again. Did you know the traditional Caprese salad gets its colors from the Italian flag? Talk about a dose of culture with every bite!

This dish is perfect for quick lunches, busy weeknights, or the star of your summer BBQ. Why do I keep returning to this salad? Besides how little time it takes (under 30 minutes!), my kids actually cheer when they see it coming. If you’re a fan of my Creamy Pesto Pasta, you’ll love the fresh twist this salad brings. Dive in, and let’s make your next meal memorable!

What is Caprese Pasta Salad?

Let’s break it down: what exactly is Caprese Pasta Salad, and why does it sound so fancy? Well, no mystery here—it simply takes all the flavors you love from the Italian Caprese salad (think tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) and tosses them with tender pasta. Some say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—but try serving this at your next gathering and you’ll win over everyone, guaranteed! Ever wonder who thought to combine these two classics? Maybe someone felt their Caprese salad needed a little carb-lifting. Whatever the case, you’re in for a treat. Get into the kitchen, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and give this recipe a go!

Why You’ll Love This

There are so many reasons Caprese Pasta Salad will become your new favorite dish. First and foremost, it’s all about the vibrant, fresh flavors—think sweet grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and bright basil, all swirled in a tangy balsamic and lemon dressing. Plus, making this salad at home is a real money-saver, especially compared to buying pre-made deli salads that just can’t compete on taste.

One of the secret weapons? The fresh basil and the burst of citrus from the lemon juice, which take this salad way beyond basic. For a little twist, try pairing it with my Summer Veggie Orzo—both are delicious and pack major fresh flavor. Give Caprese Pasta Salad a try, and let it be your go-to dish for potlucks, quick lunches, or light dinners.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Quick Overview

Caprese Pasta Salad is all about simplicity, freshness, and bold flavors. With just 20 minutes of hands-on prep, you’ll have a colorful bowl of deliciousness that checks every box: creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing. There’s nothing fussy about it—just toss, mix, and serve. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Caprese Pasta Salad with mozzarella pearls, halved tomatoes, and basil in a white bowl

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create Caprese Pasta Salad:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 pound dried pasta (farfalle or any small pasta shape you like)
8 ounces mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella, cubed
2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool for a few minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
Add the mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced basil leaves to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Just before serving, give everything a gentle toss and sprinkle with a little extra fresh basil, if desired.

What to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad With

Caprese Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy steak, or roasted salmon for a well-rounded meal. It’s also amazing with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a platter of roasted vegetables. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade makes the meal complete. Hosting a picnic? Throw in some fresh fruit or a pesto pasta side for extra variety.

Top Tips for Perfecting Caprese Pasta Salad

For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Out of mozzarella pearls? Use torn fresh mozzarella or even small cubes of block mozzarella.
Don’t overcook your pasta—a touch of bite is perfect for holding up to the dressing.
Be generous with the fresh basil, but if you’re out, a little spinach will add color and flavor too.
For even richer flavor, let the salad chill for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Avoid overdressing! Add the dressing gradually until you reach your perfect flavor.
For meal prep, keep the basil separate and add before serving to keep it vibrant.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If your salad gets a little dry after sitting, just stir in a splash of extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary. Freezing is not recommended, as the tomatoes and mozzarella can become watery and lose their lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Just keep the basil separate and add fresh before serving for the best punch of flavor.

What kind of pasta works best?

Farfalle, penne, rotini, or any short pasta works well. Choose something that holds the dressing and ingredients nicely.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Try tossing in roasted red peppers, chopped cucumbers, or even a handful of arugula for a unique twist.

Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This Caprese Pasta Salad is vegetarian. For a vegan version, use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?

While homemade dressing gives the best flavor, you can use your favorite bottled Italian or balsamic vinaigrette in a pinch.

Conclusion

Caprese Pasta Salad brings the fresh, zesty flavors of Italy to your everyday meals with minimal effort and maximum reward. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory, making it a must-try for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or easy lunches. With its quick prep time and simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try, experiment with your own twists, and don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes here on the blog. Enjoy every bite!