This Caprese Pasta Salad takes everything you love about classic Caprese juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil and turns it into the easiest crowd-pleasing pasta salad. It’s bright, tangy, and tossed in a simple balsamic-lemon vinaigrette that makes every bite taste like summer. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe comes together fast and tastes even better after chilling. If you’re looking for an easy pasta salad recipe that feels fresh, colorful, and totally irresistible, this Caprese pasta salad is a must-make all season long.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients List
Vinaigrette Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Caprese Pasta Salad
- ½ lb dried pasta (farfalle or other small pasta)
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Strainer/colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar with lid (for dressing)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife + cutting board
- Whisk or fork
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and combined.
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly.
- Build the salad: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. 🍅
- Toss + taste: Drizzle with dressing and toss until evenly coated. Taste and add more salt/pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve right away or chill for 30 minutes for even better flavor. 😊
Pro Tips
- Make-ahead hack: Toss with ¾ of the dressing, cover and chill. Add the remaining dressing right before serving.
- Best basil tip: Slice basil right before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
- Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 336 | 12g | 33g | 18g | 2g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk or shake olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined. Set aside.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for even better flavor.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Caprese Pasta Salad is quick, fresh, and full of classic Italian-inspired flavor. Make it for potlucks, summer dinners, or meal prep—you’ll love how easy it is and how fast it disappears.