Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
Looking for a quick, tasty recipe that feels like summer in a bowl? This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is just the thing!
It’s made with just a few fresh ingredients—pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—all tossed in a light olive oil dressing.
It’s the perfect dish for hot days, when you want something delicious but don’t feel like turning on the oven.
This pasta salad is inspired by the famous Caprese salad from Italy, but with pasta added to make it more filling.
It’s colorful, creamy, and full of fresh flavors. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or bring it to a picnic or BBQ to share.
Best of all? It’s super easy to make—even if you’ve never cooked before!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Caprese Pasta Salad
- ✅ Quick to make – Just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- ✅ Only a few ingredients – Most are fresh and easy to find.
- ✅ Kid-friendly flavors – Cheesy, creamy, and not too spicy.
- ✅ Healthy and light – A great option for a healthy dinner for two or the whole family.
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this simple pasta salad:
For the salad:
- 1 pound small pasta (like rotini, bow ties, or penne)
- 16 oz mozzarella balls (cut in half if they’re large)
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (sliced into thin ribbons)
For the dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
✅ Tip: If you want a creamier dressing, you can stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a little mayo!
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water in a big pot. Add a good pinch of salt, then pour in the pasta. Cook until it’s al dente (just a little firm). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool.
2. Prep the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, cut the tomatoes in half. If your mozzarella balls are big, cut them in half too. Wash and slice the basil leaves thinly.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir or shake until combined.
4. Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, add the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing on top. Toss everything gently so the pasta is coated and the ingredients are well mixed.
5. Chill or Serve Right Away
You can eat this pasta salad right away, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
Serving Suggestions
This easy caprese pasta salad is super versatile:
- 🧀 Serve it as a light lunch with a slice of garlic bread
- 🍗 Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dinner
- 🌽 Pair it with corn on the cob or fresh veggies at your next picnic
- 🧺 Bring it to potlucks or BBQs—it travels well and everyone loves it!
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- To refresh: Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss before serving.
- Meal prep tip: Keep the basil and tomatoes separate until serving so they stay fresh.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Need to switch things up? Try these ideas:
- Use small cubes of mozzarella or provolone instead of mozzarella balls.
- Try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of white balsamic.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly version.
- Add baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Why It’s Great for Families
This pasta salad is perfect for beginners and kids because:
- No cooking skills needed—just boiling pasta and chopping a few things!
- The flavors are mild and creamy.
- It’s colorful and fun to eat.
- You can make it ahead for busy school nights or weekend meals.
Final Thoughts
If you love fresh, simple meals that taste amazing, this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad is a must-try. It’s a great choice for lunch, dinner, or any time you want something fast and flavorful. Plus, it’s one of those healthy dinner recipes for two or the whole family that you’ll want to keep making again and again.
So grab your ingredients and let’s make pasta salad magic!
