Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe (Easy & Fresh)

Fresh and delicious Caprese Pasta Salad made with cherry tomatoes, basil, bocconcini, and pasta, tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy-to-make salad is a crowd-pleaser!

I’ve got the perfect summer recipe for you: Caprese Pasta Salad. It’s light, fresh, and super easy to make. 

Plus, it’s got all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad but with the heartiness of pasta.

If you love salad recipes you may also want to try my Easy Watermelon Feta Basil Salad or my Quinoa Spinach Avocado Power Salad.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY CAPRESE PASTA SALAD RECIPE

• Fresh and Light: The tomatoes, basil, and bocconcini make this salad super fresh and perfect for summer.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a go-to recipe.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish, or add some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade balsamic dressing is tangy, garlicky, and perfectly complements the salad.

FRESH INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE SUMMER PASTA SALAD

You will need the following salad ingredients listed below to make this easy recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Fresh tomatoes – can use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
• Bocconcini – small rounds is great but can also use fresh mozzarella balls.
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cooked pasta of choice – I used orecchiette but you can also use bowtie pasta, gluten-free pasta, etc.
• Simple dressing made of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Drizzle of balsamic glaze reduction
• Optional – white balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente, so it holds up well in the salad. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.
2. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. If your bocconcini are large, cut into smaller pieces. Then chop the basil leaves into smaller pieces. Fresh basil is key here, so don’t skip it!
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and basil.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
6. You can serve this pasta salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Before serving, sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top for garnish. Season with more salt and pepper. Enjoy!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes make all the difference in this salad.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta has the best texture for this salad.
• Let it Marinate: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for a bit. The flavors will meld together and taste even better.

STORING THE LEFTOVER EASY PASTA SALAD

Got some leftover Caprese Pasta Salad? No problem! Transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Before serving again, give it a good stir and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed to refresh the flavors. Perfect for quick and tasty meals throughout the week!

FAQS

WHY USE JUICY TOMATOES?

Juicy tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, add a burst of flavor and moisture to the salad, making every bite delicious.

CAN I USE FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella cheese, like bocconcini or mozzarella balls, is perfect for this salad and adds a creamy texture.

IS THIS SALAD A GREAT SIDE DISH?

Yes, Caprese Pasta Salad is a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal, bringing freshness and flavor to the table.

CAN I ADD PROTEIN TO THIS SALAD TO MAKE IT A COMPLETE MEAL?

Yes, adding grilled or cooked chicken breast makes this a complete meal and adds extra protein.

Other Easy Recipes For Dinner You May Enjoy!

• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bowl Recipe
• Quick Low Carb Tortilla Pizza Recipe
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash With Meat Sauce
• The Best Easy Vegan Pesto With Zucchini Noodles
• Keto Greek Salad Recipe
• Low Carb Big Mac Salad Bowl
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites

IF YOU TRIED THIS TRADITIONAL CAPRESE SALAD BUT PASTA STYLE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails