During the summertime, one of my go-to side dishes is Caprese Pasta Salad. It combines all my beloved ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a flavorful balsamic dressing.
The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a perfect addition to any picnic or barbecue. The juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness, while the creamy mozzarella provides a delightful contrast. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant touch that elevates the dish, and the balsamic dressing ties everything together with its tangy richness.
Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light main course, this Caprese Pasta Salad never fails to impress. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option for entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a taste of summer.
Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound pasta such as corkscrews, fusilli or rotini
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls, ciligiine or pearls
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup slivered fresh basil
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup balsamic dressing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , plus more for salting the pasta water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dressing (or about 1 cup store bought Balsamic Dressing)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain & rinse lightly with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls, slice cherry in quarters & sliver basil.
- In a large bowl combine dressing ingredients and whisk together for 1 minute. Add pasta into bowl next. Then add mozzarella pearls, tomatoes & basil. Toss to coat and taste for seasoning. The salad is best after about 30 minutes and can be refrigerated for a couple days.
* I don’t recommend making in advance because the pasta soaks up all the dressing & the salad gets dry.
Equipment:
Watch the Video
I hope you enjoy this Caprese Pasta Salad as much as my family does. My favorite part of all, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for any gathering. Enjoy the compliments as your guests savor each delightful bite!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
During the summertime, one of my go-to side dishes is Caprese Pasta Salad. It combines all my beloved ingredients: pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a flavorful balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta such as corkscrews, fusilli or rotini
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls, ciligiine or pearls
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup slivered fresh basil
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup balsamic dressing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , plus more for salting the pasta water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dressing (or about 1 cup store bought Balsamic Dressing)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and season with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain & rinse lightly with cold water. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls, slice cherry in quarters & sliver basil.
- In a large bowl combine dressing ingredients and whisk together for 1 minute. Add pasta into bowl next. Then add mozzarella pearls, tomatoes & basil. Toss to coat and taste for seasoning. The salad is best after about 30 minutes and can be refrigerated for a couple days.
Notes
* I don’t recommend making in advance because the pasta soaks up all the dressing & the salad gets dry.
