Caprese Pasta Salad
This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy.
Caprese pasta salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls is a delicious take on the traditional caprese salad!
This simple caprese pasta salad recipe is bound to be a hit at your next potluck. Serve it with other favorites like strawberry fluff, bacon wrapped chicken bites, and a pitcher of rum punch!
Save this recipe!
Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we’ll shoot it straight to ya!
I consent to receive email from this site 💌
Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Click the button above to save this recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 All the wonderful flavors of a caprese salad, turned into a yummy pasta dish.
📌 Comes together in just minutes and can be made ahead.
📌 Easy to adjust to your own tastes.
Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients
- Pasta – We used farfalle, but you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
- Tomatoes – Sweet cherry tomatoes are my favorite.
- Cheese – Mozzarella pearls.
- Basil – Fresh, chopped or torn.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette – Grab a bottle of your favorite from the market, or make your own with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
How do you make caprese pasta salad recipe (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
⭐ Then, while the pasta is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette. Combine all the ingredients in a large jar and whisk together, or use a stick blender to emulsify. Set aside.
⭐ Next, when pasta is ready, add it to a large bowl along with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour about half of the vinaigrette and mix well to coat. Add more to taste.
⭐ Finally, serve immediately or chill as desired.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full detailed ingredients list and directions for stove top and instant pot.
Preparation
Can you make pasta salad ahead of time?
You can make the salad up to a day in advance, but for best results don’t stir in the dressing until 15 – 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve it. To keep the noodles from sticking together you can toss it with a small amount of olive oil or salad oil.
What kind of noodles for pasta caprese salad?
We are partial to farfalle because it’s beautiful but also has has lots of nooks, crannies, crevices, and pockets for holding on to the dressing! You can use whatever type of noodle you prefer or have on hand though.
What dressing for caprese pasta salad?
Well, Italian dressing of course! Specifically we like a balsamic vinaigrette. You can use our easy recipe, or grab a bottle of your favorite dressing from the market.
This red wine vinaigrette would also be a great option.
Leftovers and storage
Do the leftovers need to be refrigerated?
This salad should be refrigerated before and after serving. Store in a covered container for best results.
How long does pasta salad last?
It will last 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
✅ Make sure the noodles aren’t overcooked, al dente (slightly firm) is best for a pasta salad.
✅ If you use store bought dressing, give it a whiz in the blender or with an immersion blender before adding to the salad to make it extra creamy.
✅ For best results, stir the dressing in about 20 – 30 minutes before serving so it has time to soak into everything.
✅ Try it with zucchini noodles if you’re gluten free (or if you just want something a little different). Blanche the noodles in boiling water for a few seconds then dunk in ice water.
What to eat with caprese pasta salad (serving suggestions)
This is a great summer or holiday dish and goes well with smoked chicken legs, air fryer potatoes, and key lime cookies!
More awesome pasta salad recipes
- Amish macaroni salad
- Tortellini salad
- Italian pasta salad
- Tuna pasta salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Macaroni salad recipe
- See all our yummy salad recipes!
More Caprese Inspired Recipes
Other Italian inspired dishes to try
- Spaghetti carbonara
- Toasted ravioli recipe
- Antipasto platter
- Air fryer mozzarella sticks
- Baked ravioli
- See all our Italian recipes!
Tools we love
- Salad bowl – this beautiful wooden salad bowl comes with servings spoons too!
- Salad dressing bottle – Perfect for storing your homemade dressing and learning new ones.
Get our FREE Easy Casseroles Ebook!
Follow us below!Use #mamalovesfood on Instagram!
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
SALAD
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup chopped or torn fresh basil
DRESSING
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette by blending or whisking all the dressing ingredients together. We like to use a stick blender for this step.
- When pasta has finished, add it to a large bowl along with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Add about half the vinaigrette and mix well. Add more until dressed as desired.
- Serve immediately or, ideally, chill for 30 - 60 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram and use the hashtag #mamalovesfood and follow on Pinterest for even more!
⭐Save This Recipe⭐ Send it to your email!
[ninja_form id=5]I consent to receive email from this site 💌
Caprese Pasta Salad
Click the button above to save this recipe!
Get Our Free Easy Casseroles ebook!
Recipes in your inbox
(your email will never be sold!)
Let’s Connect!
Tag #mamalovesfood on Instagram!
this has been one of the best pasta salad recipes I have found in years!
This salad is amazing!! I love caprese anything! The dressing adds a ton of flavor & it’s nice & hearty! I added some chicken.
Fresh and delicious- perfect summer salad!