Caprese Pasta Salad at the Table

Get ready to savor the taste of summer with this speedy and simple Caprese Pasta Salad! Combining all the classic flavors of a traditional caprese salad with the comfort of tender pasta noodles, this dish is the standout sidekick for summer BBQs, pitch-ins, weeknight dinners, and more.

Pass the Pasta Salad, Please! Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta salad is having a moment right now, and we’re totally here for it! Living in the Midwest, it’s a staple at all our gatherings, especially during the summer.

There are endless variations of the dish. However, with the warm weather in mind, we wanted to create an option that is speedy to toss together and loaded with flavor without weighing you down.

As a result, this simple caprese pasta salad was born! Free from mayo or heavy sauces, it’s the reliable addition to your summertime recipe lineup.

Not only is it speedy to prepare and unbelievably tasty, but it also:

Requires just a handful of ingredients.
Stores well for a make-ahead option that doubles as meal prep.
Works as a satisfying side dish and can be bulked up for a complete meal.
Makes enough to feed a crowd.

What Is a Caprese Salad?

The traditional caprese salad (not this caprese pasta salad) is an Italian dish made with fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arranged in a layered circle on a plate, the dish represents the Italian flag.

It is said that the first caprese salad was made by an Italian stone worker in the 1920s, who created the dish after WWI as a tribute to his country. The name translates to mean “the salad of Capri,” which is where the salad was made.

Although immediately popular, the salad gained traction all over the world in the ’50s and remains a staple across the globe today. As a result, there are endless caprese-inspired recipes like garlic caprese bread, caprese baked orzo pasta, turkey caprese sandwiches, and this salad!

No matter how the flavors are enjoyed, they’re always incredible!

What Is Caprese Pasta Salad Made Of?

Here’s what we used to bring together the iconic components of caprese with the comforting addition of pasta in this tasty recipe:

Pasta – We typically use rotini pasta noodles, but any shape you like finest will work!
Tomatoes – Traditionally, caprese salad is made with heirloom tomatoes, but we’ve found that grape tomatoes have a sweeter taste and hold up better in the salad.
Kalamata Olives – These give the salad a briny flavor that complements the silky mozzarella.
Mozzarella – Make sure you use fresh mozzarella balls! Miniature or cherry-sized varieties work finest.
Basil – Fresh basil brightens up the salad with its herby flavor.
Red Onion – Soaking the thinly sliced pieces in water will help to mellow the onion’s flavor.
Balsamic Glaze – A reduction of balsamic vinegar, this is crucial to any caprese recipe and is responsible for the sweet flavor that leaves us all coming back for more.

Dressing

Olive Oil – This forms the base of the dressing, creating an emulsion that combines the ingredients.
Lemon – We prefer to fresh-squeeze it, but a store-bought juice will work in a pinch.
Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a punchy, slightly fruity taste that pairs well with the balsamic glaze.
Seasonings – Sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic create a balanced flavor profile for the dressing.

How to Make the Finest Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

The name of the game around here is simple and simple, and this pasta salad fits the bill! It’s ready in nearly no time.

Prepare the Pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Immediately drain the water, and rinse the pasta under fresh, cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, set it aside.
Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth.
Combine the Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, red onion, and fresh basil. Gently toss to combine. Pour the dressing over the mixture, and toss again to coat. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top, using as little or as much as you’d like. We tend to have a heavy hand with it.
Chill. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and transfer it to the fridge to chill.
Serve. Give your caprese pasta salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients, and enjoy cold!

Variations

We believe in keeping things simple, but the magic of this caprese pasta salad is that you can let your creativity shine! Mix and match different ingredients to craft a personalized version that suits you.

Add Extra Fats. Incorporate a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, sliced olives, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Make It a Main Course. Top off your salad with chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, or tuna to transform it from an appetizer or side dish to a complete meal.
Boost the Flavor. Add extra herbs and spices or an simple olive tapenade.
Include More Veggies. Fold in diced mushrooms, cucumber slices, or cooked zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

This caprese pasta salad isn’t just a solo act – it pairs amazingly with all your go-to main courses! Consider these fantastic options for a tasty meal combination:

Close up image of a bowl full of caprese pasta salad.

How to Store

Transferred to an airtight container, this recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. However, some of the dressing will likely be absorbed.

So, add an extra drizzle of oil or balsamic glaze before serving to freshen it back up. Then, give it a speedy toss, and enjoy!

Common Questions about Caprese Pasta Salad

Can I use any kind of pasta?

Short pasta shapes work finest! Think rotini, penne, bowtie, or shells—something with curves and ridges to catch all the herby dressing and bits of cheese.

What kind of tomatoes are finest?

Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal—they’re sweet, juicy, and hold their shape. Halve them for the reliable size-to-bite ratio in every forkful.

Do I need fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella really makes it shine—especially those cute little mozzarella pearls. If you only have a larger ball, just tear or cube it into bite-sized pieces.

Is this a good option for potlucks or BBQs?

Totally! It holds up well without wilting and tastes great even after sitting out for a bit. Just give it a speedy toss before serving and watch it disappear.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

If you’re in the mood for more pasta salads that are bound to be the life of the party, check out more of our simple pasta salad stunners below!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 6 servings

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Chill Time: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins

Make this simple caprese pasta salad for the reliable summer side dish or appetizer that can double as a complete meal with the addition of protein! Email

Ingredients

1 pound pasta such as rotini or similar shape
3 cups grape tomatoes sliced
1 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls miniature or cherry-sized
1 cup fresh basil chopped
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 small red onion (or 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion) soak in water for 10 minutes to help cut the strong flavor

Dressing

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 minced garlic clove

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.1 pound pasta
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from half a lemon, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined.1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sliced grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped fresh basil, and onion. Gently toss to combine.3 cups grape tomatoes sliced, 1 cup sliced Kalamata olives, 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls miniature or cherry-sized, 1 cup fresh basil chopped, 1 small red onion (or 1/2 medium thinly sliced red onion)
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad, and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta salad, using as much or as little as desired.3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Equipment

1 Pot

Three black stainless steel mixing bowls.

1 Large Mixing Bowl

Notes

Note: If you’d like to add some extra flavor, you can also consider adding even more minced garlic or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing.