Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that brings together juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant basil leaves, and tender pasta all dressed in a simple olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect balance of light and flavorful, with pops of sweetness and a touch of tanginess that makes every bite so satisfying.
I love making this salad for summertime get-togethers or easy weeknight dinners because it feels fancy yet comes together so quickly. One tip I always follow is to use the freshest basil you can find—it really brings the whole dish to life and makes it taste like it’s straight from a sunny Italian garden. Plus, it’s great because you can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors mingle in the fridge for even better taste.
Whenever I bring this pasta salad to a picnic or BBQ, people always ask for the recipe. It’s like a little crowd-pleaser that’s colorful, tasty, and super easy to customize if you want to add a drizzle of pesto or some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. It’s one of those dishes that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat, especially on warm days when you want something fresh and bright on your plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This pasta’s spiral shape holds the dressing and ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, try fusilli, penne, or farfalle as alternatives.
Cherry Tomatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow adds color and balance. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, grape tomatoes work too. You can also roast them briefly for extra sweetness.
Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, mild mozzarella is essential here. Bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) are great too. For a dairy-free option, try cubed vegan mozzarella or firm tofu.
Fresh Basil: This gives a fragrant, bright flavor. If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with fresh spinach or a small amount of dried basil, but fresh is best.
Balsamic Glaze & Vinegar: The glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish, but if unavailable, you can reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar at home or simply use vinegar alone for acidity.
How Can I Keep the Pasta from Getting Sticky in the Salad?
After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it cooking and cool it down. This helps remove extra starch, which can make pasta sticky.
- Drain pasta well to avoid watery salad.
- Toss pasta with olive oil before mixing ingredients to coat well and prevent clumping.
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid squishing the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Chilling the salad for 30 minutes helps flavors blend and keeps pasta firm but don’t leave it too long or it may become mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – I use it to boil the pasta easily and quickly. A wide pot helps keep the pasta from sticking together.
- Colander – makes draining the pasta simple and mess-free.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing all the ingredients together without spilling.
- Chef’s knife – you’ll need it to cut the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring spoons – handy for pouring the balsamic glaze and oil accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for burrata or fresh ricotta for a richer, creamier salad.
- Add sliced grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a more filling main dish.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for extra flavor and color.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs for a spicy or herbal twist.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow if available)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes or torn
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus extra whole leaves for garnish)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for more tang)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including cooking and cooling the pasta. You can serve it right away or chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning it’s cooked but still firm. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Drain well.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cubes. Sprinkle in the thinly sliced basil leaves.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (if using) over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so everything mixes well without squishing the tomatoes or cheese.
4. Season and Serve:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, then toss lightly again. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top for a beautiful, tasty finish. Garnish with a few whole fresh basil leaves.
5. Enjoy:
You can serve this salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Salad?
Absolutely! Rotini is great for holding the dressing, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well as short pasta alternatives in this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle toss before serving again, and add a splash of olive oil if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Making it a few hours ahead or the day before allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just keep it covered and refrigerated, and add the balsamic glaze right before serving for the best presentation.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh spinach or arugula for a different but still fresh flavor. Dried basil isn’t recommended as it lacks the bright taste that fresh leaves provide.