Caprese Pasta Salad

Enjoy all of the freshness of summer with our simple Caprese pasta salad. This easy recipe will come together quickly for your next summer BBQ.

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Table of Contents

Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
How To Serve This Balsamic Pasta Salad
Storing This Tomato And Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Our Caprese pasta salad is so colorful and summery. With Italian-inspired ingredients such as juicy tomatoes, sweet basil leaves, and rich mozzarella cheese mixed with tender pasta and balsamic vinaigrette, you cannot go wrong with this salad.

Caprese pasta salad topped with basil on a plate with a fork

Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients

Caprese pasta salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This classic Italian dish is a delightful combination of fresh and juicy tomatoes, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fragrant basil leaves, making this dish incredibly delicious.

The soft mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the pasta perfectly.

You’ll need:

For The Pasta Salad:

1 (12-ounce) box of bow-tie pasta, cooked and drained
1 (8-ounce) package of fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (mini mozzarella balls)
2 cups (1½ pints) of grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 small bunch of fresh basil, chopped and divided to reserve some for garnish

For The Balsamic Dressing:

¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons of honey
2 teaspoons of grated garlic, about 2 cloves
1 (0.6-ounce) packet of Italian season dressing mix

For The Balsamic Glaze (for garnish):

½ cup of balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons of honey

PRO TIP: If you do not want to make your own balsamic dressing, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand in place of the dressing in this recipe.

Substitutions And Additions

PASTA: Any short pasta would be perfect for this salad. Orzo, penne, or rotini pasta would be fantastic choices, or you could go with a heartier pasta such as tortellini.

TOMATOES: If you can’t find grape tomatoes in the grocery store, sweet cherry tomatoes or even heirloom tomatoes sliced in wedges will work equally well in this simple recipe.

MIX-INS: The beauty of a great pasta salad is that there are so many ingredients you can add to the salad. Try red onion, red or green bell pepper, or cucumbers as great choices.

MOZZARELLA: Mini mozzarella balls are pretty easy to find, but if you can’t, you can buy a large mozzarella ball and tear it or cut it into smaller pieces.

PROTEIN: Pepperoni, bacon, cooked chicken, or diced ham would also be delicious in this salad.

How To Make This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Let’s walk through the process of preparing the dressing, pasta, and salad ingredients for this easy salad recipe.

STEP ONE: In a small bowl (or a pint-size mason jar), combine all the ingredients for the balsamic dressing. Mix well and place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the rest of the pasta salad.

balsamic dressing ingredients being mixed together in a bowl

STEP TWO: Cook pasta in a large pot for 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and place cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.

Make sure your pasta is fully cooled to room temperature before adding the other ingredients, or your cheese will start to melt. Rinse it with cold water to ensure it is cooled enough and doesn’t stick together.

STEP THREE: In the large bowl with the cooked pasta, add the halved grape tomatoes, a package of mozzarella pearls, fresh chopped basil (reserving some of the basil for garnish), and ½ cup of the prepared balsamic dressing.

STEP FOUR: Mix all the pasta salad ingredients together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

pasta salad ingredients being mixed together in a bowl

STEP FIVE: While the pasta salad is chilling, make the balsamic glaze for the garnish by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan on the stovetop.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by half.

Transfer the balsamic reduction to a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before drizzling it on the pasta salad just prior to serving.

STEP SIX: Garnish the chilled pasta salad with the reserved chopped basil and the balsamic glaze.

a plate of caprese pasta salad being topped with balsamic glaze and basil

How To Serve This Balsamic Pasta Salad

You can serve this pasta dish with grilled chicken breast, grilled tilapia, or burgers for a great summertime dinner.

Add our iced tea, raspberry iced tea, sweet peach iced tea, or our southern strawberry sweet tea on the side, and you have a complete meal.

You can also use any leftover balsamic glaze to top fresh fruit and Greek yogurt sprinkled with toasted almonds. This makes a delicious snack.

We can help you with lots of different pasta salad recipes. Try our Italian pasta salad, dill pickle pasta salad, and Greek salad for solid choices.

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Storing This Tomato And Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Here’s how to store any leftovers of this tangy Italian pasta salad to enjoy later.

IN THE FRIDGE: This easy Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Store extra balsamic dressing in a lidded jar, in the refrigerator, for up to 1 month, and use it as a marinade for chicken or on your favorite mixed greens salad.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing pasta salad.

Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil leaves are featured in this delicious Italian Caprese pasta salad. The amazing flavors mingle together for a light and fresh side dish that is the ideal choice alongside your favorite entrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caprese pasta salad with basil ahead of time?

This is a fabulous natural make-ahead dish as it gives time for all the lovely fresh ingredients to soak up the balsamic dressing. We wouldn’t recommend making it more than a day ahead, though.

Should I serve Caprese pasta salad hot or cold?

This easy pasta salad with mozzarella should be served cold.

Where can I buy mozzarella pearls?

Most grocery stores sell mozzarella pearls (or mini mozzarella balls) in the deli section. If you can’t find them, you can buy a fresh mozzarella ball and cut it into small pieces.

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Caprese Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote

Enjoy all of the freshness of summer with our simple Caprese pasta salad. This easy recipe will come together quickly for your next summer BBQ.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Servings

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Ingredients

Pasta Salad

12 ounces bow-tie pasta, cooked and drained
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (mini mozzarella balls)
2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half (1½ pints)
1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped and divided (reserving some for the garnish)

Balsamic Dressing

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons garlic, grated (about 2 cloves)
0.6 ounce Italian season dressing mix

Balsamic Glaze (for garnish)

½ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl or a pint-size mason jar, combine all the ingredients for the balsamic dressing. Mix well and place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the rest of the pasta salad.
Cook pasta for 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and place the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In the large mixing bowl with the cooked pasta, add the halved grape tomatoes, a package of mozzarella pearls, fresh chopped basil (reserving some of the basil for garnish), and ½ cup of the prepared balsamic dressing.
Mix all the pasta salad ingredients together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
While the pasta salad is chilling, make the balsamic glaze for the garnish by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by half. Transfer the glaze to a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before drizzling it on the pasta salad just prior to serving.
Garnish the chilled pasta salad with the reserved chopped basil and the balsamic glaze.

Notes

Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.
Make sure your pasta is fully cooled to room temperature before adding the other ingredients, or your cheese will start to melt. Rinse it with cold water to ensure it is cooled enough and doesn’t stick together.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Sian Cox Photographer
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

How To Serve This Balsamic Pasta Salad

Simple Caesar Salad Recipe

Cucumber Salad

Storing This Tomato And Mozzarella Pasta Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You’ll Love