Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm days? This creamy caprese pasta salad might just become your new go-to. Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this dish blends juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil with perfectly cooked pasta and a simple creamy dressing.
It’s a refreshing twist on pasta salad that works beautifully as a side or a healthy dinner recipe for two or the whole family.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a last-minute dish for a backyard BBQ, this pasta salad delivers on flavor, freshness, and ease.
It’s vegetarian, crowd-pleasing, and can be made ahead of time with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad
- Quick to make – From start to finish, this salad is ready in about 30 minutes.
- Minimal ingredients – You only need pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a few pantry staples.
- Great for meal prep – Make it the night before, and it tastes even better the next day!
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters love the creamy dressing and cheesy bites.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a side or add grilled chicken for a complete low-effort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this easy pasta salad recipe:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, penne, or shells)
- 16 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls, halved)
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil, sliced thin (chiffonade)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just until al dente—firm to the bite. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
🧠 Pro tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! Since it will soak up dressing, you want it slightly firm to prevent a mushy salad.
2. Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Thinly slice the fresh basil just before you use it—this helps it stay vibrant and fresh.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk (or shake) together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
⏱️ Optional: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend even more.
What to Serve With Caprese Pasta Salad
This salad is super versatile. Serve it with:
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A side of roasted vegetables
- Or enjoy it on its own for a light healthy dinner for two
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Before serving: Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes, then stir and drizzle with a little extra olive oil if it seems dry.
- Meal prep tip: If storing for more than a day, add the basil just before serving to keep it fresh and green.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some easy substitutions:
- Mozzarella: Swap with diced provolone or fresh burrata.
- Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes, sun golds, or heirloom cherry tomatoes.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar also work well.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salami for more staying power.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle. Just wait to add the basil until right before serving.
Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white?
You can, but the salad will be darker in color. The flavor will still be great though.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free pasta brand you trust.
Final Thoughts
This creamy caprese pasta salad is everything you want in a summer dish: fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it as a quick lunch, prep it for a picnic, or use it as a simple healthy dinner recipe for two or the whole family, it’s sure to impress without the stress.
