Summer is the season for fresh, easy salads, and this Caprese Pasta Salad fits the bill. Bursting with flavor, simple to prepare, and delicious served cold, it’s ideal for warm-weather meals.
This Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect for barbecues, lunchboxes, or a casual family lunch or dinner. Al dente bowtie pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, tender mozzarella, and fresh basil, all finished with a light, zesty dressing — a true crowd-pleaser.
If you enjoy pasta salads, try the Taco Ranch Pasta Salad for a different, bold flavor profile.
Why this Caprese Pasta Salad is so good
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Light and summery: Fresh ingredients keep the salad bright and seasonal.
- Zesty dressing: A simple vinaigrette of balsamic, lemon, and herbs ties everything together.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Pasta: Bowtie (farfalle) works great.
- Mozzarella cheese pearls (or cubed soft mozzarella)
- Purple onion (thinly sliced)
- Cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
- Fresh basil (chopped)
- Dressing: Olive oil, balsamic glaze, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, dried basil.
How to make this Caprese Pasta Salad
- Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and cool slightly.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and adjust salt to taste.
- Slice the tomatoes and onion, and chop the basil.
- Combine the cooked pasta, mozzarella, basil, onion, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Recipe notes and tips
- Substituting mozzarella: If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, use any soft mozzarella and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Use dried pasta: Dried pasta holds up better in a chilled pasta salad than fresh pasta.
- Texture tip: Cook pasta just past al dente by adding an extra minute or so; it will stay tender after cooling.
- Season early: Start seasoning as you cook the pasta so the salad is well-flavored from the beginning.
Frequently asked questions
What cheese is best to use in this Caprese Pasta Salad?
Mozzarella pearls work well and are convenient because they’re bite-sized and usually sold in water-packed containers. If those aren’t available, use any soft mozzarella and cut it into small cubes. The salad will be delicious either way.
What’s the best dressing for a Caprese Pasta Salad?
This recipe uses a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic glaze and vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs. If you prefer, you can swap the balsamic for another vinaigrette such as an Italian or Greek dressing, but the flavor will change from the classic Caprese profile.
Is this a good salad for BBQs?
Absolutely. This Caprese Pasta Salad is ideal for barbecues and parties: it’s easy to make ahead, serves well cold, and appeals to both kids and adults.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance, but it’s best when made the day of or the day before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
Other recipes you may like
- Caprese Chicken Recipe
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Chicken Avocado Pasta Salad
I hope you enjoy this simple and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad. Try it, enjoy it, and share it with friends and family.
Caprese Pasta Salad
15 minutes
15 minutes
6
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bowtie pasta, raw
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup purple onion, sliced (about 1/2 small onion)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together, tasting and adjusting salt as needed.
- Slice the tomatoes and onion, and chop the basil.
- Combine pasta, mozzarella, basil, onion, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy.
Notes
- If mozzarella pearls aren’t available, use any soft mozzarella cut into cubes.
- Dry pasta holds up better in a chilled salad than fresh pasta.
- For a tender texture, cook pasta just past al dente so it remains soft after cooling.
- Season early while cooking the pasta to build the best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 264 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 38.7 g |
Protein: 11.8 g |
Fat: 7.9 g |
Saturated Fat: 1.2 g |
Sodium: 535.1 mg |
Sugar: 5.9 g