Name: Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb fusilli pasta; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 8-oz container ciliegine fresh mozzarella cheese balls (halved); 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (halved); 1/2 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped); 1 tsp ground pepper; Balsamic glaze (to taste); 1.5 cups packed fresh basil leaves; 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic (smashed); 3/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground pepper; 1-2 tablespoons water

Jump to Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate celebration of summer—imagine velvety mozzarella, sunrise-sweet tomatoes, and garden-fresh basil wrapped up with al dente pasta and a bold, aromatic dressing. This dish is not only visually stunning, but a total crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from breezy family gatherings to easy weeknight dinners. Each bite bursts with freshness and Italian flair, and it’s so easy to throw together that it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Caprese Pasta Salad is how few ingredients it takes to create such vibrant flavors. Each component plays a starring role: from creamy mozzarella to the robust basil vinaigrette, every element contributes to the overall balance of taste, texture, and color.

Fusilli pasta (1 lb): The spiral shape expertly catches dressing and mix-ins for flavor in every forkful.
Kosher salt (1 tbsp for cooking, ¾ tsp for vinaigrette): Proper seasoning brings all the other flavors to life.
Ciliegine fresh mozzarella balls (1 8-oz container, halved): These bite-sized cheese orbs offer creamy richness in every bite.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints, halved): Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for juicy bursts of color and sunshine flavor.
Fresh basil (½ cup roughly chopped for salad, 1.5 cups packed for vinaigrette): Basil’s peppery-green freshness is the heart of Caprese.
Ground pepper (1 tsp for salad, ½ tsp for vinaigrette): Adds a gentle kick to round out the flavors.
Balsamic glaze (to taste): For a glossy finish and a pop of irresistible tangy sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil (6 tbsp): Select a robust, flavorful olive oil for your vinaigrette—it makes a difference!
White balsamic vinegar (3 tbsp): Lighter and fruitier than traditional balsamic, it balances the dressing beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves, smashed): Aromatic garlic deepens the vinaigrette’s flavor for savory depth.
Water (1-2 tbsp): Just a splash to reach the perfect smooth texture in the basil vinaigrette.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Set a large 6-quart pot on the stove and fill it with four quarts of water. Once it hits a rolling boil, add the tablespoon of kosher salt. Drop in the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions, but add a minute for extra tenderness—this captures and holds the bold flavors of the dressing even better. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly and shake off the excess moisture so the salad doesn’t turn soggy. Dump it right back into the hot pot and toss for a minute or two so any stray water evaporates.

Step 2: Whiz Up the Basil Vinaigrette

While the pasta bubbles away, it’s vinaigrette time! In a blender or food processor, combine the 1.5 cups of fresh basil, smashed garlic, kosher salt, ground pepper, olive oil, and white balsamic vinegar. Blend until totally smooth and vibrant green. If it’s not silky enough, trickle in water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a glossy sauce-like texture. This fragrant dressing will infuse every spiral of pasta with fresh, herby goodness.

Step 3: Dress the Pasta

Pour your newly crafted basil vinaigrette over the hot, steamy pasta. This not only adds flavor but helps the dressing cling beautifully. Allow the vinaigrette-tossed pasta to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes—and up to 2 hours—so the flavors can really soak in. If you’re planning ahead, you can even chill it overnight for maximum convenience.

Step 4: Add the Caprese Trio

When you’re ready to assemble, let the pasta come to room temperature if it’s been refrigerated (about an hour). Gently toss in the halved mozzarella balls, juicy tomatoes, chopped basil, and a generous grind of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—the magic is in getting the balance just right.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon the salad onto plates or into a big serving bowl, then drizzle generously with balsamic glaze for that unmistakable sweet-sharp hit. Serve it at room temperature to make sure every fresh flavor comes through loud and clear.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For a real showstopper, scatter extra fresh basil leaves over the top, along with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper. A finishing trickle of balsamic glaze not only ups the flavor, but makes your Caprese Pasta Salad look irresistibly glossy and inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, rustic focaccia, or a classic Italian antipasto board. It also shines alongside simply roasted vegetables or a zippy green salad—for a meal that’s as balanced as it is beautiful.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or picnics, try portioning Caprese Pasta Salad into cute individual jars or cups—you’ll wow guests and make serving easy. Nestle it alongside crisp romaine leaves for a scooping salad wrap, or heap onto crostini for an inspired appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If possible, keep the tomatoes and mozzarella separate from the dressed pasta and combine them just before serving to keep everything at its freshest.

Freezing

This salad isn’t suited to freezing, since the fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella tend to lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh and savor every bite within a few days.

Reheating

Caprese Pasta Salad is best served at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, take it out about an hour before you plan to serve. There’s no need to warm it up, and reheating can affect the texture of the cheese and tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli holds the dressing beautifully, other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work great too. Just be sure to cook it al dente plus one minute for the best texture.

What’s the best mozzarella for Caprese Pasta Salad?

Ciliegine (tiny mozzarella balls) are ideal because they’re tender and easy to halve, but sliced fresh mozzarella or bocconcini also work well. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, as it doesn’t have the same creamy, fresh bite.

Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep it the night before. For the best taste and texture, store the dressed pasta separately and add the tomatoes and mozzarella right before serving.

What if I can’t find white balsamic vinegar?

You can use regular balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor, but it will darken the vinaigrette. White wine vinegar mixed with a splash of honey is a decent alternative if you need a milder option.

How do I make it vegan?

For a vegan version, substitute the mozzarella with cubed avocado or a non-dairy cheese alternative and check that your balsamic glaze contains no animal products.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about the fresh, bold flavors of Caprese Pasta Salad. Whether you pop it on the table for a potluck, a picnic, or a simple weeknight meal, this dish is pure happiness in every bite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and let it become your new go-to way to savor the best of the season!

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful Caprese Pasta Salad recipe that combines the flavors of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a homemade basil vinaigrette, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil water, add salt, cook pasta al dente, drain, and return to pot.
Make Vinaigrette: Blend basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
Dress Pasta: Toss warm pasta with basil vinaigrette. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Combine Ingredients: Add mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and pepper to pasta. Toss to combine.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed, plate the salad, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

You can prepare the salad in advance and chill it overnight, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on personal preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Italian